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>the US immigration system ties visas to a single employer While this is true for the L1 and one other (I believe J1), I don't understand why people believes t

>the US immigration system ties visas to a single employer While this is true for the L1 and one other (I believe J1), I don't understand why people believes this to be true for H1Bs. It's simply false- H1Bs can transfer employers, it just takes a couple of weeks and some paperwork, and thousands do it every year. I know a number of folks professionally who've done it without hassle, and I know a couple people in my personal life who've also transferred. There is a period when an employer has sponsored you for a Green Card that you probably can't switch, but after the EAD is issued you're free to transfer employers again. Basically, 'H1Bs are tied a single employer' is a widespread urban legend https://www.immi-usa.com/h1b-visa/h1b-visa-transfer/ https://www.immi-usa.com/h1b-visa/h1b-visa-transfer/ https://thevisaproject.com/experience/us/h1b-transfer-premium-processing/ https://thevisaproject.com/experience/us/h1b-transfer-premiu...

NovemberWhiskey 5y ago
H-1B visas are tied to a specific employer. The fact that you can move between different employers who will individually agree to sponsor a H-1B position doesn't change that fact. This is fine when you're talking about moving between large companies with the apparatus to do that, but it does mean that H-1B holders have fewer opportunities with smaller employers or those who simply aren't willing to go through the paperwork.
nrmitchi 5y ago
> H1Bs can transfer employers, it just takes a couple of weeks and some paperwork My understanding is that yes, this is technically true. However it's not a H1B holder telling the government "I'm taking this new job, FYI", as much as requesting that your transfer be approved. The risk that the transfer will not be, and you're stuck in limbo of returning to the position you just quit, does exist. For people on these statuses, any required interaction with USCIS can be anxiety inducing. While it may not technically be tied to a single employer, it's not fair to say that holders have the same flexibility to switch jobs as permanent residents/citizens.
- 988747 5y ago
  Yes, US immigration system is a mess. I considered emigrating there once, but I would never agree to the kind of slavery that comes with H-1B visa or similar. Last few years, I've been submitting my application for Green Card lottery, because winning it is pretty much the only way of emigrating that doesn't suck, despite small chances of being selected.

NovemberWhiskey 5y ago

H-1B visas are tied to a specific employer. The fact that you can move between different employers who will individually agree to sponsor a H-1B position doesn't change that fact. This is fine when you're talking about moving between large companies with the apparatus to do that, but it does mean that H-1B holders have fewer opportunities with smaller employers or those who simply aren't willing to go through the paperwork.

nrmitchi 5y ago

> H1Bs can transfer employers, it just takes a couple of weeks and some paperwork My understanding is that yes, this is technically true. However it's not a H1B holder telling the government "I'm taking this new job, FYI", as much as requesting that your transfer be approved. The risk that the transfer will not be, and you're stuck in limbo of returning to the position you just quit, does exist. For people on these statuses, any required interaction with USCIS can be anxiety inducing. While it may not technically be tied to a single employer, it's not fair to say that holders have the same flexibility to switch jobs as permanent residents/citizens.

988747 5y ago
Yes, US immigration system is a mess. I considered emigrating there once, but I would never agree to the kind of slavery that comes with H-1B visa or similar. Last few years, I've been submitting my application for Green Card lottery, because winning it is pretty much the only way of emigrating that doesn't suck, despite small chances of being selected.