HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF BEING SELECTED FOR THE NEXT H-1B LOTTERY…AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE NOT SELECTED: THE STEM OPTION

The next H-1B quota for the 2016 year will open in April of 2016. Last year, approximately 30% of all bachelor degree holders qualified, along with 50% of master degree holders.

How to Increase Your Chances of Being Selected:

Have as many employers sponsor you as possible. The more petitions filed, the better your chances. Note that part time employment is possible.

Sponsor yourself by establishing a U.S. company that would sponsor you.

Work in Guam-no quota exists for Guam employment.

Acquire Australian, Singaporean or Chilean nationality-such nationals are not subject to the quota.

Work for a college or university or organizations affiliated with a college or university-these employers are not subject to the quota.

Work for non-profit research organizations-such employers are not subject to the quota.

Alternative Visas:

If you are Mexican or Canadian, you are eligible for a treaty visa that covers certain

professionals.

The F-1 STEM (A Great Option) Graduates from U.S. colleges or universities with STEM degrees are now eligible for up to 29 months practical training work authorization post graduation. A regulation is pending that would increase the authorization to 36 months or 3 years. If you do not have a degree from a U.S. institution, why not go back to school and obtain a U.S. degree in a STEM field?

Visa Lottery: 55,000 immigrant visas are available for over a million expected applicants.

O-1 visa for applicants that are extraordinarily accomplished in their field

J-1 Exchange Visa

 

Labor Certification-immigrant visa (green card) sponsorship will take a minimum of 1 year, and you are not permitted to work during this time. Quota waiting times are at the lowest in years.