Avoiding H-1B Visa Sponsorship Errors

H-1B Visa status errors are commonly made by foreign nationals who need a job that requires visa sponsorship from a company that will need to initiate the visa application.

Some common mistakes are outlined below:

1. Failure to understand the need to obtain a job

There are many rules that have to be followed for securing an H-1B visa status and a foreign national cannot file an application on their own for an H-1B visa. This can only be done by a U.S. employer who is prepared to sponsor an employee. You need to obtain an H-1B visa status sponsorship job first and the employer does the rest.

2. Starting the H-1B Visa status Job Search too late

The door opens annually on 1st April for the filing of H-1B visa status applications for each year. Many visa hopefuls start their job search too late and most jobs are filled between January and April. The earlier the job searching begins, the better chance of gaining a sponsorship for the coming year. Many potential applicants leave the job search too late and once the quota has been filled which is often within a week or so of the opening date for the receipt of applications find they are too late.

3. Choosing companies who do not offer H-1B visa sponsorship

Before sending in an application for a job you must check to ensure the company offers sponsorship for an H-1B visa status. Not all companies will realize that you need sponsorship and may even offer a job based on your credentials and then when you approach them for sponsorship tell you that they do not offer it. This can be a time consuming mistake leading to disappointment but can be avoided by checking to see which companies are able and willing to offer sponsorship.

4. Failing to use a resume style known to U.S. employers

U.S. employers are used to a certain style when they evaluate C.V.s, so if you want your CV to be noticed you should ensure yours matches the U.S. format. Generally, U.S. resumes are far sharper and shorter than many C.V. formats from overseas countries. A C.V. that is professionally presented the U.S. way helps immensely when presented to a U.S. employer.

5. Ensuring you can get to the U.S.A. on time to start the job

Once an employer has sieved through applications and selected out the preferred candidate and after interview decides to select you it is essential that you are able to get to the job on the date that your employer expects you. Often, H-1B applicants fail to meet deadlines because travel and accommodation arrangements have to be made and notice to their current employer has to be given. You should be ready to re locate as soon as H-1B visa status has been granted by the USCIS. Your employer will be waiting for you, so you should get to the U.S. as quickly as possible.

Return to "The H-1B Visa" to learn more.