Any reasons to transfer from E-2 visa to H-1B

[xyguy 0]

I currently live in the US and hold an E-2 visa.

I am thinking about changing employers. The most probable visa I would end up on if I were to do that is a H-1B. One way to make myself more attractive to potential future employers is to offer to transfer a H-1B visa in. To do that, I would of course need to currently hold an H-1B.

When I took my current job, I was offered an H-1B or an E-2. I accepted the E-2 as my employer recommended it, and a lawyer pointed out a couple of its advantages to me (if I had a spouse, they would be eligible to work, and the E-2 visa can be renewed essentially indefinitely). If I had realised the H-1B could be transferred then I would have asked for the H-1B, since the flexibility is much more important to me.

Obviously though, I don't want to go to my employer and say "I'm thinking about changing jobs. Can you change my visa to make that easier?"

So my question is:

Assuming my currently employer could arrange it, can anyone think of any other reason to ask to change from an E-2 to a H-1B, *other* than "I want to make it easier to quit this job"?

[Boiler 45,553]

And the lottery...

Why not get sponsored for a GC?

[xyguy 0]

Let's assume a GC is not an option for the purposes of this question.

Bump ;-)

[Boiler 45,553]

H has dual intent?

Not that it seems an issue in practice for E2.

[iishlegend 1]

assuming you have a degree, you will be vying with other H1-B applications because there are limited places. Either get your new employer to do a transfer or return to home country and reapply. Or you could get married or something, switch to another visa category.

Edited November 21, 2014 by iishlegend