Looking for help!

[JamesDesigner 0]

Hey guys!

My Google-fu found you and now I'm convinced that there is a set of forums for any topic on the net much to my benefit!

Anyway - right to the point.

Me and my partner have plans to move to the US in the near future. My partner is an American born citizen and we don't have any plans to be married within the next 3-4 years (but will be eventually, our official relationship status is 'unofficially engaged' for various reasons that I wont get into) so getting a K1 Visa is not an option right now. So I've opted to go for an H1-B Visa.

I intend on getting a job as a Graphic Designer. Now, I have no illusions of what is required of me just to get a job (CV, portfolio etc.), I've been working in this industry long enough to know how flippin' cut-throat it is in relation to how many jobs there are out there in comparison to how many people want them (I have an advanced diploma and an internationally recognized Bachelor's Degree along with a healthy amount of experience and the skill to back myself up) and it'll only be that much harder in an economic climate that seems to be suffering more than the average. This part isn't an issue for me as I know what I have to do.

What is an issue is that I feel I'm still relatively in the dark about the diplomatic procedure. Costs, processes, time etc.

Is there anyone that can help me un Earth all there is to know about what I should be doing and what can be done in preparation for when I start my hunt for an employer who will petition my application?

Relevant information: Bachelor's Degree, Graphic Designer, 27yrs of age, New Zealand Born Citizen. If there's anything more that anyone needs to know before they can give me a hand I'm more than happy to provide more info.

Thanks!

[Boiler 45,314]

There is not much you would do apart from attend the interview, if you have no 'history' then that should be easy peasy.

First you need an Employer who will sponsor you, not cheap and obviously not easy unless you have a stellar cv and good contacts.

[JamesDesigner 0]

There is not much you would do apart from attend the interview, if you have no 'history' then that should be easy peasy.

First you need an Employer who will sponsor you, not cheap and obviously not easy unless you have a stellar cv and good contacts.

Thanks. I've no history that I should be worried about. I don't even have a parking ticket to my name.

And agreed. Getting an employer to sponsor me will not be easy but I'm determined and have an impressive work history + portfolio.

Edited December 10, 2012 by JamesDesigner

[Boiler 45,314]

Good luck, many people find that marriage may not be such a bad option.

[JamesDesigner 0]

Good luck, many people find that marriage may not be such a bad option.

it isn't, but unfortunately I have in-laws to contend with and they have put up more walls than any politician or diplomat has thus far.

And thanks!

Edited December 10, 2012 by JamesDesigner

[JamesDesigner 0]

No one can give me some insight into the process?

How much time it takes, typical costs and success rates?

Thanks guys.

[Harsh_77 716]

The process is simple, you find a employer who is willing to sponsor you - their lawyer prepares the paper work and files a petition for you.

Once that is approved you will go to consulate in your home country for visa interview - I have heard all stories based on countries what they ask you during interview including technical question based on resume.

That's pretty much it... on an average application for h1b is approx $5000 at this time and tons of paper work + economy are the reason lot of employer are hesitant to file for H1.

[Moomin 292]

You can visit the US on a tourist visa and look for employers, no harm in that. If anyone would sponsor you, you go through the process from home country. But you can't just land any job. US citizens are first in line unless there are none with your skills available to the job market.

Or convince a future employer that skype is an excellent idea for an informal interview. Set a few interviews up and go to them when visiting.

You cannot begin working - not even for free - before you have a valid work authorization/visa.

Good luck, and welcome to VJ, James.

[Boiler 45,314]

No one can give me some insight into the process?

How much time it takes, typical costs and success rates?

Thanks guys.

Time depend on visa type, if we are talking about a H1 for a for profit company then the first date would 1st October next year, so no rush.

Costs, well nothing for you.

And as you have no issues then should be 100%.

[JamesDesigner 0]

Thank you very much guys, all hugely appreciated!

Is it uncommon to sweeten the deal by offering to absorb any administration costs (the $5000 mentioned) or at least some of it when making it known to any prospective employers that I'll be needing an H1-B visa in order to start work?

Is that even allowed?

[Boiler 45,314]

They have to pay you the going rate and most of the fees.

[JamesDesigner 0]

They have to pay you the going rate and most of the fees.

So I'm not allowed to offer to pay the fees for any application/processing costs?

[Boiler 45,314]

I believe you could reimburse the legal costs, not the USCIS fees.

[jnkmlsux 3]

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Edited December 12, 2012 by jnkmlsux

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Because of the requirement to prove that no US citizen is available for the job it is sometimes better to look in less desireable locations. ( Such as middle of no where town in the snow belt )