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Is it mandatory to have work experience to apply for H1B visa to work in USA ?

One of the questions recently asked was, “Is it mandatory to have work experience to apply for H1 visa?”

Quick answer: NO.

The important thing that USCIS considers when they look at your H1B petition is to validate if you have the enough skills to work in a particular role or position.  The key thing is, the position you are applying to matches with your area of education and your expertise. The attorneys write up the paperwork matching your skill set with your position description.

Ideally, it is recommended to have internship experience. If you are a student in US, your work experience either on CPT or OPT helps and makes the case stronger. If you are a student in US, working in OPT for some time and then applying will be perfect. But, if you are student from India, you can still apply for H1B petition with your courses, other project work and maybe some internship experience.  If filing without experience, you have to make sure that the application filed is related to  your degree of study.  Typically, if you have a degree in Computer Sciences, then you will be ideal for H1B petition for any IT related job. If your background is Electronics, then you will be perfect for applying for electronics engineer kind of positions.  General recommendation for coming to US on H1B from India is to have at least one or two years of experience.  If you are studying masters degree in India, you can work part time and fill in the experience part and make the case stronger.

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Satheesh Kumar Ilu, commonly known as Kumar, is the founder of RedBus2US.com. He is an Immigration and Study Abroad expert. He holds an MS from the University of Houston–Clear Lake and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He studied, lived, and worked in the U.S. and Singapore for nearly two decades, and has traveled to over 25 countries.

   

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261 Comments

  1. HI saurabh I have done bachelors in computer science which is four years of degree and currently i have just joined company after my 2 months of training so I want to know whether I am eligible for H1B visa and I want to tell that I had many backlogs in B.E will that be considered as negative point for approval

    Reply
  2. Hi Saurabh,

    I have completed 2.6 years of experience as of date and I am BCA graduate. Along with full time work experience I will be completing my full time MCA post-graduation in April.
    Am I eligible for upcoming H1-B VISA processing? Need your guidance

    Will Appreciate your quick response.

    Regards,
    Preeti

    Reply
  3. Hi Saurabh Sir,
    After responding to NOID for End Client letter by my Attorney, I see Status in USCIS as” On November 19,We updated your name for I-129 Petition for a Non-Immigrant worker” What is this name updated Status refers to..? I checked with my Attorney and Employer there are no typo errors mentioned in my name as such…Kindly, let me know what is that “Name updated” status referes ..? Thank you in Advance..

    Reply
  4. Hi,
    My employer need to file my H1 visa, i have done B.Sc. in Non-Computers stream. I have less score 45% in my Graduation. Will it affect my approval in H1 process.? please let me know.

    Reply
  5. hii saurabh sir

    im rohith , ive completed my B.E(EEE) and i have no job experience.But got an offer from IT company through reference.So help me out to file H1 through your valuable suggestions.

    thank u sir in advance

    Reply
  6. Hi.. I have some query behalf of my best frnd..he is working for one USA based company who is now planning to offer him H1 visa. But the problem is that he is not completed his graduation due to some personal reasons.he is 12th passed out, did NIIT in oracle and having work experience 7 yrs in relevant field and 4yrs experience in education field.he is having B1 visa currently and travelled USA for 3times. His company don’t about his education as he mentioned graduation on his resume.now he is under pressure.can he eligible for h1 visa on 12th base?plz advise ASAP.await for your prompt reply.

    Reply
    • Hello,
      The actual minimum requirement to gain a job in United states with H 1 visa is a bachelor’s degree as your friend is not having it i can confirm that he cannot apply with that level of education.

      Thnak you.

      Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,
        this is madhav. i have done Post Graduation in Computer Sciences. and i have work experience of 9 months in two companies, presently i am working as Jr.Software engineer.
        so what are my chances applying for H1 Visa.

        Reply
  7. Hi Saurabh,

    Can you may please help on my query

    I am on H1 B visa & my wife will be travelling on H4. She is 7 years of experience in Software IT with B.Tech (Electronocis). Can you may please let me know that if she plans for H4–>H1, then what is the compexity to find Employer to sponour her H1 in USA.

    Thanks
    Paritosh

    Reply
  8. Hi Saurabh,

    I have a bachelors degree (BSc) in computer science,mathematics and Statistics however i have been working in the financial services domain for the past 10 years.
    Now i have an opportunity to apply for a H1 B from my employer. Will my difference in qualification and work experience cause an issue?

    kindly assist and appreciate your assistance

    regards,
    Arun

    Reply
  9. Hi Saurabh sir,

    let me know can i eligible for /get h1b visa for usa by the following information:
    MCA(Master of Computer Applications)-2014 passout
    Bsc(computer science)-2011 passout

    Company :one if the best company in world.

    i am waiting for your answer..
    Kindly give me quick reply……!

    Reply
  10. Hi Saurabh,
    Hope you are doing good. I got an RFE on Education Evaluation.
    Education : Total 15 years of Education where in Bsc Degree subjects are Maths,Computer Science and Electronics.
    Experience: Over 7+ years of IT Experience in Sutherland,HCL,IBM,CSC and currently working for Capgemini India.
    To respond to an RFE , I have all Educational documents with memo of marks and Experience letters from former employers and HR letter from Current company. But, I dont have detailed Experience letters from my previous companies. However, I will go for Education Evaluation since it is 15 years of education. But,unfortunately I could not get detailed experience letters from my previous companies. Will there be any issue if i doesnt provide detailed experience letters..? By God’s blessings my petition got picked in lottery but after geting RFE of education for 15 years iam really disappointed. Kindly,advise if i doesnt go with detailed experience letters for chances of approval/Denial of my case.
    I will be very thankful to you if you answer my query.
    Please advise. — Roshan

    Reply
    • Generally the education evaluation is done if the job you referred in your H1B application does not match your education and for most of the instance your experience and related certifications should suffice.

      Reply
  11. Hi,

    Firstly appreciate your services in answering queries.

    I have done my Bca in 2011 followed by my Masters in business administration(MBA) from india.
    Currently i am working as a HR Recruiter and having 6 months of experience.

    So, My question is- am I eligible for H1b visa.

    Please advise. I am eagerly waiting for your reply.

    Reply
    • Education wise you are eligible for H1b visa, but the main issue is to find the employer who can file for your H1b. H1b is employment based not individual visa.

      Reply
      • Hi
        For education, do they accept a full time post graduation along with a full time job ? Is it fine or better avoid it or may raise unnecessary questions.

        Reply
  12. hi saurabh,

    This is yamini. I had completed my B.TECH(ECE) IN 2013..Can i apply for HIb vissa by undergoing course.

    Reply
  13. Hi Saurabh
    In all the articles related to H1 visa , there is always inf about science graduates, nothing about commerce field.
    I am a Chartered accountant and have bachelors degree in commerce., work exp of 1.5 years.
    Are CAs also eligible for H1B visa, dont they count it as a 4 years degree.
    What is the way to get the visa basis these degrees.

    Thanks
    Saumya

    Reply
  14. Hi Saurabh,
    This is Saumya.
    In every article for H1 visas., there is always something about science graduates, but nothing is mentioned about commerce people or CAs. I want to ask that whether Chartered accountants eligible for H1B visa?
    I am a commerce graduate (3 years degree) and a CA . I have 1.5 years of experience. Dont they count CA as a 4 years degree.

    Thanks
    Saumya

    Reply
  15. Hello,
    Thank you for your great post.
    I’m in dire need of your help.

    Firstly,
    My backgrounds are as follows,
    Education:BS in physics, MS in physics(thesis: Monte Carlo computer simulation)
    Employment: Software engineer 5 and a half years. (not 6)
    Freelancing: ~present (about 6 months)

    Got H1B visa sponsorship by a software company of which main technology
    is augmented reality.

    My concerns are:
    1. Not CS major
    2. 5 and a half year employment

    Countermeasures:
    1. Emphasizing on the relation between physics and the technology the company mainly use.
    2. Being employed from April to October fill the gap of 6 months.
    But it’s after the H1B filing deadline but before the entrance into US.
    3. Emphasizing on the freelancing period. I have records for official developments for the 6 months.

    Do you think I am eligible for H1B?
    My countermeasures are persuasive?
    Please help, I appreciate any advice.
    Thank you.

    Reply
  16. Hi,
    I have done my graduation in commerce(3 years) and then 1 year diploma course in HR from a University and then did my MBA in International business. After that I joined an I.T company and have been working for 1.7 years. Am I eligible for H1B as I don’t have I.T education in my portfolio.
    But I will be travelling for a functional consultant role.
    Though I have cleared I.T. certifications from IBM and it is the same technology for which I will be travelling as a Consultant.

    Its urgent, Please reply soon.
    Regards.

    Reply
  17. Hiii
    Its Jatin
    M b.tech(mechanical) graduated which is 4year degree course from india and 2 years eperienced in my mechanical stream can i eligile for H1B visa

    Reply
  18. Hi

    Please Advice
    My employer A has filed for revoking my H1B on 20 feb , and my new emplyer has filed for transfer on 21 Feb, Wat is going to happen?

    Reply
    • Nothing you are good.If you are in US, you should not be out of status. If you are India, it doesn’t matter as it will as good as new filing with Quota exception.

      Reply
  19. Hi all
    i have completed 10 std and i have completed B.C.A degree (3year) in open university and 7.8 year of exp in IT
    can i apply for h1b visa

    Reply
  20. Hi Saurabh,
    I am in US and have H4 visa. I am planning to transfer to H1B. I have done 3 years BSc Mathematics in India. And worked in IT company for 5.5 years. Can I file for H1B ?? Will my petition get approved??

    Thanks
    Praveena

    Reply
  21. Hi Saurabh,
    I am in US and have H4 visa. I am planning to transfer to H1B. I have done 3 years BSc Mathematics in India. And worked in IT company for 5.5 years. Can I file for H1B ?? Will my petition get approved???

    Reply
  22. Hi
    Saurabh

    Iam Ajaykumar srirangam .I completed my postgraduation MBA 2011 passout with specialisation in finance ..later on I worked for MNC company from aug 2011-jan 2013 (17 mnths) for reconcilliation process ….after that i left my job ..
    from february i went to SAP BO course …
    so can i plan for H1b visa sponsor as a SAP BO fresher ……..
    am i applicable for that please let me know if possible …………

    Reply
  23. Hi Saurabh,

    I am Raghuveer from Hyderabad.I want to apply for H1B visa before than i want to share my details.Kindly check it and let me know whether i am eligible for H1B visa ?
    My Qualification : BSC-BIOTECHNOLOGY 2007 PASSOUT.
    Work experience :I have 6.5 years of experience on Software Testing(Which is not relevant to my Graduation stream).
    Kindly let me know there would be any problem on my case.

    waiting to hear from you

    Reply
  24. Hi Saurabh,
    I have done my BSC IT and GNIIT(Software engineering)diploma from NIIT in IT in 2009 and GNIIT certificate of 2010 that is a diploma will it be counted as !5 or 16 years of education. Does diploma or full time education matters for H1B filing. I have 3+ years of experience on my field of mobile development.
    Will I be eligible for h1 visa .
    What is education criteria for H1?

    Reply
    • Yati,
      The requirement is to have 4 years of college degree equivalent to US Bachelors. If not, then the person needs to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience for each missing year of education.

      You may be better off contacting an education equivalency agency in US and sending your diplomas etc to them for evaluation. They can then tell you what’s the US equivalent of your education. If it is less than 3 years, then you do not qualify. If it is at least 3 years then you qualify (as you have 3 years of relevant work experience). However, USCIS may still require submission of additional proof to show qualification.

      Reply
  25. Hi saurbah,
    I have done my b.sc in microbiology in 2004 but I have one backlog in m.sc 2006 bcoz of some personal reason I couldn’t complete my m.sc … In 2007 we moved to USA … Came back to india in 2013.
    I have one year experience in same field.
    Will I be eligible for h1 visa .
    What is education criteria for H1?

    Reply
    • As,
      For H-1, a person needs to have at least college education equivalent to US 4 years Bachelors degree. If the person has lesser years of college education, then the person needs at least 3 years of relevant work experience for each missing year of education.

      So you have 3 years of college education and 1 year of experience. Unfortunately, that doesn’t qualify you for H-1. You incomplete degree doesn’t count.

      Reply
        • Hi Saurabh,

          I was also trying to apply H1 for my brother who is having experience of 3.5 years. As it was told to yati it was also to told me that if candidate having exp 3.5 can get rejected in stamping. Do you have any say on this?

          Regards,
          Satish Maduri

          Reply
  26. Hi Saurabh,

    I am on H1 and planning to file H1 for my wife who’s on H4 now. Could you please suggest which one is more safer like processing H1 from India or H4->H1.

    If it’s H4-> H1, please let me know if candidate should be in USA as my wife is in India right now. If she needs to be in USA, by when she should be here in USA?

    Please help!

    Thanks in advance!

    Srinivas

    Reply
    • Srinivas,
      The H-1 petition review process has equal challenges whether it is applied while in India or inside US. The advantage is stamping, which is not required if the person is already inside US.

      There are two options:
      1. Employer files H-1 while she is in India. She later travels to US on H-4, and once H-1 is approved files for COS from H-4 to H-1. If approved, she can start working on H-1 w/o needing to get the stamping done first.
      2. She travels to US on H-4 in Feb or early March. Employer then files H-1 for her along w/ COS.

      Reply
      • Thanks Saurabh. I have one last question though, how’s the success rate of COS from H-4 to H-1. I am just trying to find out if it’s not risky on filing COS, then I would go for it.

        Please suggest.

        Reply
        • Srinivas,
          H-4 to H-1 COS approval contains 2 things – H-1 approval, and COS approval. The former is same whether it is H-1 is applied from inside or outside of US. COS approval depends upon whether H-1 spouse is maintaining status or not. Most of the denial come around H-1 petition itself and not COS. COS is usually denied if H-1 holder didn’t maintain payslips or H-4 I-94 is not through Oct 1.

          Reply
          • Thanks Saurabh! I am just trying to understand the fee details for CoS but couldn’t find in online. Can you please point me to the link which talks about CoS fee details please.

  27. Hi saurabh,

    I am Naveen working in US on L1b and i have done B.com degree completed (3 years) in 2008, and i have 5 year of experience in IT side before my degree and 5 year of experience in IT side after my degree, i came to US in 2010 and working on L1B, wanted to findout if i am eligible for H1b Visa now.

    Reply
    • Naveen,
      At a high level you look eligible. Still your employer should do education equivalency evaluation to be sure that your education + experience makes your eligible for H-1.

      Reply
  28. Hi Saurabh,

    I am having below qualifications.

    10th class Full time 1994
    Intermediate Full time 1996 (2 Years)
    Bachelor’s Degree B.Com Full time 1999 (3 Years)
    I did My MBA (specialization systems) Distance Education 2008 (2 years).. having gap here.

    I am having 8 years experiance in reputed IT company. Working in same company since 8 years (starting from 2005).

    I am having following questions. Please clarify.

    1. Am I eligible for H1B visa process?
    2. Distance education will be considered as PG for H1B process?
    3. Is there any issue because i am having gap for 8 years?

    Thanks.

    Reply
  29. Saurabh – Greetings to you

    H1B Transfer Help.

    2013 Jan My H1b got approved.

    Now got a new offer in US however the new employer is confused on my education and doubt whether my petition will be approved if transferred.

    Education:
    BSC..Hotel MGMT 3 years
    6 months Long duration program from IIMC

    Experience:
    4.6 Years in BPO
    2.6 Years in IT

    I am a SAP Consultant in working in US now, please advise I am not sure how my current employer did credential evaluation and how do I obtain the that evaluation report.

    Please advise if my I am eligible for H1 B transfer and if so how fast the premium processing will take.

    Thanks,

    Kenney R

    Reply
  30. Hi Saurabh,
    Firstly appreciate your services in answering queries.

    I am working for one reputed IT firm. They have filed my H1 this year.
    I have done my BA + MBA and have 2.7 years of IT exp.
    I got a RFE on education.
    How can my attorney handle this case?
    Are there any possibilities of getting approval ?

    Plz suggest/answer

    Regards,
    Sneha

    Reply
    • Hi,

      What saurabh said about education that is right.
      Recently i got my H1B Stamped, my qualification is BA
      But working in a reputed IT firm in India.
      Experience matters, but if there is any educational gap you should have
      more experience to cover it.

      Best of luck.

      Reply
      • Hi aki@lucky,
        15 years education with B.com graduates and 7 years overseas experience is enough to get H1b stamping or not. is there any issues in this case. please give me answer.

        thanks
        B

        Reply
        • Prasad,
          You should get your degrees evaluated by an education equivalency agency in US to know how much education you have after completing your 12th. You should also have detailed experience letters to show that you have progressive work experience in your field of employment.

          By law, you need to have 4 years of college education. If not, then you need to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience for each missing year of education.

          Reply
          • Hi Surabh,

            actually I have 16 years education, I have completed my 15years degree and 1st mca, after that I have disconnected due financial problems.
            it will under come 16years education or not.

            you are doing great job by giving valuable suggestions to all.
            Thanks
            B

          • Prasad ,

            If you have discontinued your course, it cannot be counted. So, you have only 15 years education. As Saurabh has been telling all this while, you need to have 16 years of formal education (1-12 grade+4 year Bachelor’s Degree). In the lieu of a 4 year degree, you need 3 years experience for every missing year.

  31. Hi,

    I received my approved petition with B.Tech degree and its equivalent in credentials evaluation section. But, my Highest qualification is M.Tech. Could you please guide me as to what needs to be done and what are the timeline involved to rectify the error.
    Also, what problems may arise if I go for stamping without rectifying the error.

    Reply
  32. Hi,
    Firstly appreciate your services in answering queries.

    I am working for one reputed IT firm. They have filed my H1 this year.
    I have done my BA + MBA and have 2.7 years of IT exp.
    I got a RFE on education.
    How can my attorney handle this case?
    Are there any possibilities of getting approval ?

    Plz suggest/answer

    Regards,
    Sneha

    Reply
  33. Hi Saurabh,

    This site is doing great job for people like me in providing valuable info.

    I have bachelors degree(CS) from india.

    I did my MSC(Diploma) in UK.

    And i have 15 months of experience in technical process field.

    Could you please tell me, if i am eligible for H1B visa??

    also could you please suggest me how to proceed further!

    Thanks,
    H1b Aspirant

    Reply
    • H1b Aspirant,
      It will be better to have education evaluation done from a US agency or school to know what’s the US equivalent of your education. It should come up as at least 4 years of US Bachelors. If not, then you need to have at least 3 years of progressive work experience for each missing year of education.

      Reply
    • Hi Saurab,

      Thanks for your patience and time providing valuable info….:)

      I have completed my B Tech in 2010 ( Computer science) followed by my Master’s(Diploma) in Network Computing from United Kingdom(2011).

      Currently am working for MNC Bpo with 18 months of experience.

      I would like to apply for H1B Visa…. As I read some of your comments saying if we have 4 years of B Tech Degree, we are applicable for H1B Visa.

      My Question 1 : My work experience is not relevant to my Degree(i,e.. B Tech) so can i still be applicable for H1B Visa… (If Not) shouldn’t i mention my work experience while applying…….??

      2 : Also if i have a sponsor who’s ready to offer a job with the above details, can i still go ahead and apply H1B…… (If Not)….. please suggest…..

      Your valuable feedback is high appreciated….!!

      Thanks in advance….. Have a good day…

      Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,

        Hope your doing good….

        Please provide me your valuable comments for the above….

        Awaiting your reply…

        Thanks in advance.

        Reply
        • Hi Saurabh/Team

          Thanks for your patience and time providing valuable info….:)

          I have completed my B Tech in 2010 ( Computer science) followed by my Master’s(Diploma) in Network Computing from United Kingdom(2011).

          Currently am working for MNC Bpo with 18 months of experience.

          I would like to apply for H1B Visa…. As I read some of your comments saying if we have 4 years of B Tech Degree, we are applicable for H1B Visa.

          My Question 1 : My work experience is not relevant to my Degree(i,e.. B Tech) so can i still be applicable for H1B Visa… (If Not) shouldn’t i mention my work experience while applying…….??

          2 : Also if i have a sponsor who’s ready to offer a job with the above details, can i still go ahead and apply H1B…… (If Not)….. please suggest…..

          Your valuable feedback is high appreciated….!!

          Thanks in advance
          Asif

          Reply
  34. Hi Saurabh,

    First of all, I would like to appreciate the kind of service that you have been delivering. Thank a ton…

    BTW, Here are my case details..
    I have my stamping interview scheduled for next week.
    Qualification: B.sc (Non-Computer science)
    IT experience: 7 Years
    Company: Us based big IT firm
    Petition: Approved

    Questions:
    1. Will my education (3 years and non computer science) be a concern during my interview?
    2. Do you foresee any risks on my h1b stamping based on the information provided.
    3. Your valuable suggestions on facing the interview.

    Reply
    • Subbu,
      1. No. They would have already evaluated it while approving the petition to ensure you are qualified. Still carry the education evaluation and other documents your employer sent to USCIS.
      2. You have enough experience to compensate for non-Comp-Sc education
      3. Carry the documents and be confident

      Reply
  35. Hi –

    My son was born in USA and planning to visit India in a month (first week of September), please suggest the best options. Help me understand the time lines for getting PIO card? With PIO card, can my son allow to stay in India for more than 6 months?

    Quick help would greatly be appreciated.

    Thanks,
    Srinivas

    Reply
  36. Hi Saurabh,

    My Employer here in India Planing to initiate H1B visa for me to USA. can you check my below details and let me know, If I am eligible for the same.

    Education :
    10th Class (Full Time)
    Intermediate 12th Class. (Full Time)
    3 Year Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. (Full Time)
    MBA in Operations management (Distance).

    Experience :
    27 months experience with WIPRO.
    18 months experience with IBM.
    1 Year experience with current Employer.

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Pawan Kumar,
      You may be eligible but that still needs to be validated. You should get your degrees and marksheets evaluated by an education equivalency agency in US. They can tell you what’s the US equivalent of your education. Then you need to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience to make-up for each missing year of education.

      Reply
  37. Hi Saurabh,

    I am a BA Graduate having 5+ yr experience(2+) as a senior software engineer with a big IT firm in India, i got an offer from a big firm of U.S and they have applied my H1 this time for 2014, and it is saying approved in USCIS website, in stamping is there any problem related to my education…plz help

    Reply
    • Aki,
      If USCIS has approved the petition, then it should be fine even during the stamping. Most of the queries during stamping arise from client/project/employer and I have hardly seen any related to individual’s qualifications. Still its best to be prepared and carry documents/information that show that you are indeed qualified for the offered position.

      Reply
      • Thanks,,a ton Saurabh

        God bless you….

        I got my H1B & H4 stamped in Chennai last month 24, only 3 question asked to me, Employer name, Which city, and salary, as my salary package is good he said its great and you are going to nice city, and only 2 ? to my wife.

        Then said your visa is approved sir, have a nice trip to USA.

        Nothing asked related to my project, experience, Education.

        Thanks
        Aki

        Reply
  38. Hello, i have done my masters in finance and BA in psychology from india am i eligible for H1b Visa if i want a marketing analyst job? with that i too have a 6 months internship experience.

    Reply
  39. Hi Saurabh,

    I am at USA now and we are expecting a Baby in couple of weeks. Please help me to understand with few questions below:

    1. How soon my Baby can travel back to India?
    2. Should I apply Passport my Baby in USA itself (assuming Yes)? If Yes, how soon Baby can get the Passport?

    Please help

    Reply
    • Hi Saurabh,
      U can apply for the baby US passport from post office after submitting birth certificate in one month app.
      U need to have the PIO card for US baby that takes around 40-45 days.
      After that u can travel with the baby to India…Good luck

      Reply
      • If you do not have time to get the PIO you can get the visa which is for 5 years and then you can apply for PIO in India. The visa gets issued with in 1 business day(try NY embassy)

        Reply
    • You can get the passport in 7 working days at the earlier. Pay the expedite processing fees. It is always good to have the passport in US itself

      Reply
  40. Hi,

    I did my Diploma in IT and Bachelor of Engineering in IT in India, then I did my Masters in IT from UK. I am a fresher who is looking for employment. Can i get H1B visa so that i can go to USA and look for jobs ?

    Reply
  41. My spouse is on H4, did 2 years of teaching in India and 1 year of software development and 6 months of internship
    As per educational evaluation, she is eligible for H1B
    Is it fine to go with Software Engineer position while applying her H1B?
    I know teaching experience is not same as software development but it does say that candidate has knowledge about the concepts/programming languages and related things
    Is uscis strict about number of years in relevant work experience?
    She also has 5 month IT experience in a volunteer company.
    Is it fine to put that too?
    Any way to improve chances of visa approval?

    Reply
  42. Hi Saurabh,

    My wife is pregnant (7 Months) now and has valid H4 Visa. Is she allowed to travel to USA at this stage, would there any security issues at USA Airports?

    Please help me with if she’s allowed to travel.

    Thanks !

    Reply
    • Srinivas,
      I haven’t heard of any cases where they stopped pregnant women on visas from entering US as long as they don’t becomes wards of the State. So if she plans to travel to US, then she should carry information about her insurance plan to show that her maternity charges will be bore by her, your employer and insurance company. You can check for other experiences online as well. In addition, check w/ the airline about any specific restrictions they have on the travel in 7th month.

      Reply
  43. Hi Saurabh,

    I got my H1 Visa which is valid till Dec 2013 only. If everything goes fine, I will be traveling by next week. If my employer is ready to renew it, would it be an issue? If need to go with renew, when should be the proceedings started?

    Reply
    • Srini,
      Your employer has enough time to file for H-1 extension. It can be filed as early as 6 months prior to H-1 expiration date.

      Reply
  44. Hi Saurabh,
    I have a Masters degree in computers and 3 1/2 years of relevant exp. in IT.After that i got a gap of 7 years.Am I eligible for H1B visa?

    Reply
  45. Hi Saurabh,

    I have my VISA Interview tomorrow (hoping it will go thru). If it goes through and if I need to get my mother on Visitor Visa – can you please let me know the possibilities and what are the documents required?

    Thanks !

    Reply
    • Srinivas,
      It will be very difficult for her to get visitor’s visa while you are still in India. Once you have reached US, she can appear for B-1/2 visa stamping and you can be the sponsorer. Even then she has to show financial/social ties w/ home country and convince the VO that she will return to home country after her trip to US.

      Reply
  46. Hi Saurabh,

    I have got H1 VISA Interview appointment in the first week on March however on my Appointment Confirmation, my surname was misspelled by my petitioner.

    I am worried if that creats any issues at VISA interview. Please confirm if that’s an issue, if Yes – please let me know what needs to be done.

    Thanks in advance !

    Reply
    • Srinivas,
      Are you referring to the interview confirmation letter which has date, time, consulate mentioned? All other documents have the right name? How big is the typo? I don’t remember what other details are mentioned in the confirmation letter, but if passport number is mentioned, that can also be used to identify you.

      Still, this is checked by security officials outside the consulate who may or may not leniant. So its better to let your employer know and talk to the consulate folks for correction.

      Reply
      • Yes – I was referring to the appointment letter however I was done with my visa interview and got my Visa as well 🙂

        Reply
  47. Hi,

    I did my completed my graduation in Hyderabad with 55% with 5 years since i have back logs and the worked with a MNC company for 22 months during the backlogs time and then moved to Uk for my masters and did not complete it for personal reasons,now i am again working for a company from past 7 months whose head office is in USA,Now my employee is applying for H1 for me .

    Will it be any problem for me will i get H1,What sought of interview questions do i need to face.
    Please let me know as i am tensed a bit

    Santosh Pisipati

    Reply
    • Santosh Pisipati,
      To be qualified you need to have at least a 4 years Bachelors degree. If you have that (even if w/ backlogs) then you are qualified. In addition, you need to be qualified for the offered H-1 position.

      Reply
  48. Hi all,

    I finised MCA, later worked for 3 years as an Asst. Professor in reputed college in India. Last year i came to US on H4. This is year Planning to Apply H1B for software developer. Does teaching experience will consider in this situation?

    Reply
  49. Hi Saurabh ,

    Your posts are really helpful….

    I want to know the chances of getting h1 b visa .. Please have a look at my profile below.

    i finished btech non – it engineering in 2007 ..actually i was supposed to complete in 2006 but because of backlogs it went late..

    in 2007 only i applied for f1 visa for usa and got rejected 3 times because of potential immigrant and my backlogs ..after this i went to london metropolitan university, london and did pre-masters (4mmonths) and masters in computing ..i finished my ms successfully and returned to india..here again i have 15months gap and now after this i have put 3.5 years of fake experience and joined a top US MNC .till date i have 17months of exp from this MNC as developer.

    now i am planning to file H1 b visa through a desi company , i ll have 2yrs of genuine exp by the time i go for stamping…

    As you see i already had enough punches and want you to please suggest me regarding the chances of getting h1 b visa…is UK MS valuable

    i take UK MS + 2 Yrs exp from top mnc as positive points …is it correct ?
    will the us consultate be able to verify the exp that i have put to get the job in this top mnc..or will they just ask whether i work for them..and the current role..please help

    Reply
    • Satheesh Baseneni,
      Based on the information you have provided, you seem qualified (4 years of college degree). Still you need to be qualified for the offered H-1 position. Your company can tell you what the requirements are for the position, and you can check whether you qualify for it or not. As your Bachelors was non-IT, I suggest getting education evaluation done for your degrees and have all experience letters (the valid ones) ready.

      Reply
  50. Hi all,

    i am post graduate in electronics and i have 7 years of experience in the field of embedded and vlsi, now i want to apply for h1b visa can any one guide me how to apply for this
    thank’s in advance

    Reply
      • Hi saurabh,

        This is Pavan , i have recently got my h1b petition approved, but my qualification is bsc chemistry with 10 years of IT exp and DNIIT from NIIT, will i have any problem with my qualification during my visa stamping? please suggest

        Thanks,

        Pavan

        Reply

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