Wondering when to throw in the sponsorship question as an international student?
Let’s clear things up: we’re talking about H-1B Visa sponsorship – the golden ticket from employers. If you’re riding the work authorization wave on your student visa (F-1), no need for them to sponsor you. You’ve got CPT or OPT for that.
And when’s the magic moment to ask about sponsorship? No fixed rule here. If sponsorship is a deal-breaker, bring it up early.
If you’re not sure how to ask about your sponsorship, take a moment to check out this blog.
First of all, let’s understand
What is H1B Sponsorship?
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
H-1B sponsorship refers to the process where a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign national to work in the U.S. under the H-1B visa program. In essence, the sponsoring employer vouches for the foreign employee and takes responsibility for the visa application process.
Avoid Career Fair or Networking Events to Ask About Sponsorship
When you’re at a career fair or mingling at a networking event, focus on building connections. Use this time wisely to showcase your skills and strengths that could benefit their team. It’s cool to check if they hire international students, but save the H-1B sponsorship talk for another day.
Get the Scoop Before Applying
Before hitting that “apply” button, do a bit of research whether the company has sponsored anyone before. Network smartly to gauge the company vibe and their openness to hiring and possibly sponsoring international talent.
Timing is Everything
As for popping the sponsorship question, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on the vibe you’ve built with the potential employer. If sponsorship is make-or-break for you, bring it up early in the hiring process.
Don’t wait until you’ve got a job offer to find out they can’t sponsor. On the flip side, if soaking in U.S. work experience is your jam, feel free to bring up sponsorship later in the game or even after you’ve started working with them. Keep it real and find the right moment.
How to Sponsor an H-1B Visa as an Employer in 2024
If you’re a U.S. employer looking to sponsor an H-1B visa, you’ll need to go through the application process.
Below you will find a streamlined explanation of that process. For a more thorough look at the process, check out our H1-B visa guide.
Ensure the Job is a Specialty Occupation
The role should require:
A bachelor’s or higher degree or its equivalent.
Specialized and complex duties typically associated with a degree.
Potential hires must:
Hold a U.S. or equivalent foreign degree.
Have unrestricted state licenses or equivalent credentials.
Have relevant education or experience.
Determine Pay Rate
The wage should be the higher of the prevailing wage or the employer’s in-house wage. Prevailing wage can be obtained from:
National Prevailing Wage Center (NPWC).
Independent authoritative surveys.
Valid wage sources or collective bargaining agreements.
Notify U.S. Workers
Post details of the H-1B hiring at the workplace or electronically. Details must be displayed for 10 days.
Submit Labor Condition Application (LCA) to DOL
File electronically via the FLAG System. Ensure it lists all employment locations. There’s no fee for the LCA.
Register for the H-1B Lottery with USCIS
Due to visa limits, a lottery system is employed. Register online between March 1-20 and pay a $10 fee.
Await Lottery Selection
If selected, employers will be informed by March 31.
File Form I-129 for Selected Beneficiaries
File within 90 days of selection, starting April 1. Fees include a base fee ($460), ACWIA fee ($750 or $1,500 depending on company size), fraud prevention fee ($500), Public Law 114-113 fee ($4,000 for specific companies), premium processing fee ($2,500), and the registration fee ($10).
Prospective Workers Apply for Visa/Admission
After I-129 approval, foreign workers apply for the H-1B visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate. Upon visa approval, they can seek admission into the U.S. and then the employer proceeds with the hiring process.
How to Find an H-1B Visa Sponsor as an Immigrant in 2024
Here are the top 6 ways to find an H-1B visa sponsor for 2023 so that you can file your petition:
Explore the H-1B Visa Sponsors Database
Start by identifying companies that sponsored H-1B visas in recent years. Search terms like “companies that sponsor H-1B visas” can help. If targeting a specific region, use location-specific queries like “H-1B Visa Sponsors Database California.” These searches might reveal job types, salary data, and USCIS petition outcomes.
Action Step: Compile a list of these companies. Evaluate them based on their visa petition history. Use H-1B database to streamline your search and find a sponsor.
Job Applications and Securing an Offer
Polish your CV and apply to your list of companies. Target those with a history of H-1B sponsorships. Websites like CareerBuilder, Monster, or Dice may have relevant job listings. Once you land an offer, discuss the H-1B visa sponsorship for 2023.
Internships as a Stepping Stone
If you’re in the US on an F1 visa, consider seeking an internship with potential H-1B sponsors. Once secured, communicate your desire for H-1B sponsorship. For internship opportunities, attending job fairs and career events can be fruitful.
Consider Boutique Consulting Firms
Some boutique consulting firms might offer sponsorship. However, beware of firms demanding payment for sponsorship – it’s illegal. Ensure you’re dealing with reputable companies, ideally through personal connections.
Target Global Consulting Firms
Expand your search to include global consulting giants like TCS and WIPRO. Review their career pages, apply for positions, and, upon securing an offer, discuss H-1B sponsorship possibilities.
University Jobs: A Potential Goldmine
If you’re on an H4 or F1 visa, consider positions at US universities. These institutions often aren’t bound by the annual H-1B cap, allowing more flexibility in visa sponsorship. However, note that an H-1B visa obtained via a university might not be transferable to a non-academic position.
The Final Words
So there you have it, the insider scoop on H-1B visa sponsorship – the gateway for international workers to contribute their expertise to U.S. companies. As an international student, timing is everything when it comes to popping the sponsorship question. Remember, at career fairs, focus on flexing your skills, not on sponsorship queries.
For employers looking to sponsor H-1B visas, the process boils down to ensuring the job is a specialty occupation, determining the pay rate, and navigating the H-1B lottery. The journey continues as prospective workers apply for visas and embark on the hiring process.
And if you’re an immigrant on the hunt for an H-1B visa sponsor, dive into databases, polish that CV, explore internships, and consider both boutique and global consulting firms. University jobs could also be your golden ticket.
In this ever-evolving landscape, staying informed and strategic is key. So, whether you’re the hopeful employee or the sponsoring employer, here’s to making the H-1B journey in 2024 a smooth ride. Cheers to new beginnings and thriving in the diverse world of work!