Once you’ve decided you’d like to live and work in America, you have to start the process of finding a job that’ll make your dream come true. This is the first step to undertake before you apply for an H-1B visa. To help you find a secure job, we’ve listed some options you might want to check out.
To search for companies that help sponsor the H-1B visa, use our free search tool here. It lets you narrow down your options and provides you with information like recruiter names and their alma maters to make it easier to connect with them!
1. Study in the US
One of the easiest ways to find a job in America is to study there and get degrees and certifications that are already compatible with their requirements. You can apply for internships while you’re studying, which can lead to job offers once the internship period is over. You’ll also be able to check out a company more thoroughly than when you’re overseas.
Students on an F-1 visa can be eligible to work both during and after study through Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPTs last for a period of 12 months but can be extended by up to 24 additional months if you’re in the STEM field. An added benefit of studying in the US before working there is you’ll be used to the culture before you’re placed in a professional setting.
2. Check a Database
There are many databases online that list companies hiring in the US. HiCounselor has a rather helpful search tool that not only gives you a list of companies that help sponsor the H-1B visa, but also provides additional relevant information like recruiter names and where they studied so you can connect more easily with them.
When checking out a database, you can narrow down your search keeping in mind where within the US you’d like to work. You can make a list of the companies you find relevant and check how many petitions they file each year and the approval rate. This will help you figure out which company will give you better odds of success.
3. Submit Many Applications
Now that you have a list of reliable companies that sponsor H-1B visas, you might want to apply only to the top two or three but remember that many candidates will be applying to those companies. Apple to more companies than just the first few on your list. If you want, you can broaden your search and look for American jobs on US job sites to increase your chances of getting a job offer.
Make sure you optimize your CV for the American job market and highlight the best parts of your resume. Try to apply to companies that have successfully sponsored many H-1B petitions over the last few years. If you receive an offer, inform the company you’d like to be part of their H-1B visa sponsorship of that year so they can get started with your paperwork ASAP.
4. Not Just Companies
When thinking of a job in the US, you don’t have to limit yourself to just organizations, you can also apply for positions at educational or research institutes. One of the best parts of finding a job at a University is that they’re not subject to the H-1B cap restrictions, which increases your chance of securing the H-1B visa.
Of course, to pursue this option, you need to have the relevant degrees or certifications as well as a real interest in the field. One of the downsides of this option is that you cannot apply for an H-1B transfer the way you can with any other job in the United States.
5. Boutique Consulting Companies
A boutique consulting company is a rather small firm that provides limited services to a small clientele. This is a harder job to secure than with a big firm, but there are still plenty of options in this area so if you find a job in your field, you can try this route. If you do get an offer, it’ll be good to do a thorough background check to make sure everything is on the up-and-up.
The reason we’re putting in the above caution is because this area seems to be more prone to scam than others. Many boutique consulting companies will offer you a job but then ask you to pay for the H-1B visa, which is illegal. Also, since they are small companies, there often isn’t much information available online, which can be used by unethical people to commit fraud.
6. Global Consulting Companies
This is a slower route than the one mentioned above but many consider it safer! Global consulting firms are big companies that have branches in various cities across the world, including in the US. You can apply for a job in your location and tell them you’d be interested in pursuing opportunities in the US.
Many companies give the H-1B visa opportunity to those candidates that prove themselves to be worthy assets at the job. This, of course, isn’t a sure-shot way to secure a job in America but it is something you can pursue while you’re trying other things to land the job of your dreams.
These are some of the ways you can get a job and start the process of getting an H-1B visa. Of course, sometimes it’s good to have help in securing a job, and that’s where HiCounselor comes in. The best part about choosing us is that we don’t take payment until we help you get a job. We also help you prepare for interviews and put your best professional foot forward! Contact us today to find out what we can do for your career!
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