TC: 100k (Seattle, WA) I’m a new grad SWE, joined a startup in Sept. I’m 5 months into my first job. The company grew rapidly during the last year and my current manager was hired a month after I was. When I joined the company and was interviewing, I mentioned in every single interview that I need H-1B sponsorship and that I’m an international student on OPT. Right now, as the H1B cycle is 2 weeks away, I wanted to check in with my HR person and wanted to make sure that everything was still on track for my H1B application. I was told by her that we will not be able to apply for your H1B this year. Long story short, my manager told me that the company has a policy to not sponsor visas in less than 1 year of employment. I mentioned to her that the CTO and the recruiter I was dealing with had told me that they would apply for the H1B visa. She said she would follow up with them, but can’t promise anything and that they would apply next year for sure. I feel like I got stabbed in the back. The only reason I ever even got to know about this is because I checked in and no one communicated this to me from the company’s side. The H1B application is open from March 1-18th. Should I apply aggressively and try to change jobs in 2-3 weeks? Should I quit and join a staffing agency that will charge me 5-10k but apply for my H1B? Should I just continue with them and hope to change jobs in the future? I feel like my world has come crashing down and that I was misled by the company while joining. #workvisa #h1b #swe #techcareer Thank you to all of you for the constant engagement! This post is currently the number 1 post on the app with over 50k views, and made it to Blind’s instagram page’s story. Very grateful for the support! UPDATE: My manager spoke to the CTO and the recruiter who initially told me they’d sponsor while joining, and they both seem to suffer from memory loss in this regard and claim to not remember having a conversation about sponsoring H1B this year. Will be talking to the co founder and president of the company tom.
Did you get it in writing that the company would sponsor immediately upon joining?
No, I did not, but it was also not mentioned to me otherwise. When I mentioned that I need H1B sponsorship and they agreed to it, I did not think that there would be any such policy as I’ve never heard of this.
Lesson learned. Always get things in writing.
Is this your first attempt? How many more months OPT+Extension have you got?
Yeah, this would be my first attempt and I’m on first year of OPT. So, 2 more attempts after this.
Then what's the worry here? Subtly ask your HR to give it I writing that they'll file your H1 next time. In the mean tme, prepare well, find another company later this year.
Also for your case just start interviewing immediately. You don’t want to miss the April deadline with another company.
What is the April deadline? Is that another round for H1B petition?
No there is only one. What meta is saying if you can join another place which can file your petition just in time for the April deadline..you still have roughly 2 months.. and since you are on opt m, you can basically just walk out the door without any h1b transfer formalities..
This is subjective. Based on what I have seen happen with friends, I'd suggest leave and join staffing asap if nothing else works out
Staffing ??
Consulting companies. Someone that can file h1b asap. Again. This is subjective but I'd rather get h1b first
Try Amazon they are always ready to hire, ask for direct on-site and try your luck
I reached their final round last month, but messed up😔
They probably want to cut down the cost. Ask the HR that you are willing to pay the H1-B fees, if you believe H1-B is absolutely crucial for you this year.
I literally did. I told my manager that I would be willing to pay it out of my paycheck, just don’t take this opportunity away from me. It’s a matter of my career and future
I think they are being sneaky here and not stingy.. they want to keep you on the hook with the lure of h1b sponsorship..
Approach desi consultancy for H-1B application and join their client if needed to. Although this is a bad advice but given your circumstances I think this is the only solution. Don’t miss the lottery chance.
Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking too. I’m also a desi so yeah
It’s too risky. Reach out to connections in Big4, sometimes Big 4 can hire fast
Even Steve Jobs got stabbed by Apple
😂😂
He did not need H-1B sponsorship 😏
Is this your last attempt?
Nah, 1st. But still it’s 1 out of only 3
I understand. If you plan to switch just ensure that the new company does file it. There are some companies who take into account three paychecks, some two paychecks and things like that. I dont know if it makes a difference but just make sure its worth switching. I wouldn't recommend going through consultancies or staffing agencies since there are sometimes hidden clauses when you file it with them, rather go for a new company if you absolutely want to switch.
ZipRecruiter hires really fast as well as CircleK. Try BBG too
Thank you, will do!
What is BBG and circle?