Software engineer here (5 YOE), I'm working for an outsourcing company and I moved from Europe to California Bay on a L1 visa. My total compensation is 130k (I only get the base salary). Changing jobs is literally changing countries again because L1 is linked to the company. I don't have a degree so H1b is not worth applying for. The customer that I work with is paying a rate to my company and my company gives me the paycheck. I think trying to negotiate a raise will not end up in any significant change. What are my options here?
Marry someone here. Good luck!
apply for greencard. You are from Europe so no long wait like China or India
Unfortunately only my company can apply for GC under L1. Their policy is working 2 years in the US then we can consider it (been here for 9 months now). There's no certainty whether they will sponsor the GC.
You are in a better position than others, even with 500k TC, bite the bullet for another year, ask your company to file your GC and get it, that’s worth more than millions.
Pursue Masters in the US and compensate for the lack of degree. Then apply for H1B. And 90% of companies start green cards process immediately. Since you are from Europe, you'll have your GC in no time. Problem solved. PS: I came for my Masters after 7 year in the industry. So your 5yoe shouldn't be a problem. In fact it's a plus while writing your statement of purpose
Can you do masters without bachelors degree ?
I am surprised you got L1 without degree. Btw you can apply for H1 without degree.
There are two types of L1: L1A and L1B. I have L1A, you need degree for L1B
With L1A you can do eb1c
I guess you are still better off than Europe. Ask them to start GC process after 18 months. Till then enjoy and don’t worry about it as you don’t have much control over situation.
130k isn't that bad.
Work for Bart
Do you have a spouse? They can work with L2 visa.
Hope Trump gets impeached soon
Oh. Shit. Nothing.
Can you elaborate?
Basically you are screwed. Limited options. Basically, I can't think of one. Without a degree, no one can file a H1. If at all it is filed, it is guaranteed to be rejected.