Ask Sophie: Any steering for altering jobs whereas on an H-1B?


Right here’s one other version of “Ask Sophie,” the recommendation column that solutions immigration-related questions on working at expertise firms.

“Your questions are important to the unfold of data that permits individuals all around the world to rise above borders and pursue their goals,” says Sophie Alcorn, a Silicon Valley immigration legal professional. “Whether or not you’re in individuals ops, a founder or searching for a job in Silicon Valley, I’d like to reply your questions in my subsequent column.”

TechCrunch+ members obtain entry to weekly “Ask Sophie” columns; use promo code ALCORN to buy a one- or two-year subscription for 50% off.


Pricey Sophie,

I’ve been on an H-1B visa with my present employer for about two years, and I wish to discover a tougher place with one other firm.

At a time when extra firms are doing layoffs, I really feel like I’m at an obstacle within the job market in contrast to a couple years in the past.

Are you able to please information me on altering jobs, transferring an H-1B and getting assist for my inexperienced card?

— Hopeful H-1B Holder

Pricey Hopeful,

Congrats on taking step one towards reaching your targets. Recognize you reaching out to me for steering — I’ve bought you!

The excellent news is that many firms are hiring tech expertise. Layoffs within the tech sector — principally by the Huge Tech corporations — have grabbed the information headlines since final 12 months. However I’ve discovered that many early-stage startups efficiently conserved money and at the moment are hiring.

Because you already went via the lottery course of, you received’t have to undergo it once more for an H-1B switch. Phew!

As well as, different sectors reminiscent of healthcare, skilled and enterprise companies, authorities, and hospitality have proven sturdy job development and are hiring tech expertise. What’s extra, federal laws, such because the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and the Infrastructure Funding and Jobs Act of 2021, will result in elevated job creation over the following few years.

Turn into conversant in your superb visa and inexperienced card route, notably when pursuing a place at an early-stage startup. Typically early-stage founders and ops leaders have restricted immigration expertise, so realizing clarify the method is invaluable to pitching your self.

Suggestions for managing your H-1B switch

You’ve already surpassed one of many largest challenges most individuals face — being chosen for an H-1B visa via the annual H-1B lottery. Previously few years, the probabilities of being chosen within the lottery have decreased considerably. Because you already went via the lottery course of, you received’t have to undergo it once more for an H-1B switch. Phew!

Your job now’s to determine what it’s you wish to do. What’s your dream job? Can it qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B functions? If it’s not the following pure step on a typical profession development ladder, are you able to establish the following position that might be an incredible steppingstone?

Sophie Alcorn headshot

Picture Credit: Sophie Alcorn

When you’ve recognized the next step, then it is advisable discover an employer prepared to switch your H-1B. Develop your community and faucet into your present community for job leads. Ask potential employers early on within the job interview course of whether or not they’re prepared to supply immigration assist.

In the event that they aren’t — or in the event that they hesitate — transfer on. Worldwide expertise stays extremely wanted by employers. In line with the 2023 Immigration Developments Report printed by Envoy International, 87% of employers are recruiting and hiring international nationwide staff within the U.S.

For an H-1B, the employer is answerable for paying the prices. You may let potential employers know that an H-1B specialty occupation visa switch for a startup can usually be completed in a month or so, and often for lower than $10,000, together with authorized and submitting charges, which is way lower than the price of a recruiter. The method can take as little as 4 to 6 weeks from supply to start out date.

It’s undoubtedly really useful that each one firms work with an skilled immigration legal professional to place collectively your work visa petition. Startups or firms which have by no means earlier than sponsored an employer or potential worker for an H-1B should first get their Federal Employer Identification Quantity (FEIN) verified by the U.S. Division of Labor’s Workplace of Overseas Labor Certification, which generally takes a couple of week.



Related Articles

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest Articles