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Introduction
Moving from a student visa to a work visa (H-1B) helps foreign students who wish to make their career in the U.S. Access to an H-1B visa can allow students to launch a successful career in the country. Although the steps may look complicated, if you plan well and fulfill the required steps on time, your success rate will rise. As one of the Best Visa Consultants in Ahmedabad, we assist students at Agile Consultancy with our expertise, confidence, and compliance throughout the transition process.
Understand the Basics of H-1B
A foreign professional can work temporarily in a specialist job in the U.S. with the help of an H-1B visa. To be eligible, you should receive an offer in your chosen field from a sponsoring employer. The visa is first awarded for three years and can be extended for another three years, which ultimately leads to permanent residency.
Time Your OPT and H-1B Application Strategically
Most international students come to the US on F-1 visas and then move to H-1B by using OPT or STEM OPT. It’s important to prepare in advance because the H-1B cap season begins every year in April, while choices are made after a lottery. It is best to get started looking for jobs and assembling your papers at least a few months ahead. If you are selected, then your H-1B status activates on 1st October, while the Cap-Gap rule permits OPT to stay employed between OPT expiry and H-1B start.
Maintain Impeccable Documentation
All required documentation should be complete and show your qualifications, such as your degree certificates, transcripts, job offers and descriptions, and evidence that you are qualified in a specialty occupation. Mistakes or discrepancies may result in requests for more proof from the authorities or outright rejections. Also, employers are responsible for filing a Labour Condition Application (LCA) with the Department of labour.
Choose the Right Employer
Only some U.S. businesses are able or interested in sponsoring a worker for an H-1B visa. Make sure to go after companies that have a proven track record of successful sponsorship in fields such as IT, finance, healthcare, and engineering. When interviewing, get clarification on the company’s support for visas and make sure they know your timeframe and what you need for visa approval.
Stay Compliant and Informed
It is crucial to follow all the rules of visa status at all times. Your SEVIS records should be accurate and you should make sure to follow the OPT and STEM OPT programs while not taking part in any unauthorized employment. When your H-1B is approved, continue to keep an eye on deadlines so you don’t miss them, and start early for permanent residency if this is your main goal.
Final Thoughts
Receiving an H-1B visa from being on an F-1 is a key milestone in your journey in the United States. You can make the transition without difficulty if you are well prepared, choose the right time, and act in advance. We at Agile Consultancy will guide you through job search and paperwork. Also, we stand as a leading USA H1B visa consultant in Ahmedabad, so students can benefit from expert guidance while every step H1B visa is done smoothly.
