H-1 visa lottery is almost there

Time has nearly arrived for the H-1 lottery and people who looking to grab one are rushing for job offers and immigration lawyers. Now that not even two weeks are left, people are trying to get their cases prepared before the 1st of April, 2009, when the H-1 lottery for Fiscal Year 2010 would be underway. All those who win will get the opportunity to work from the 1st of October, 2009.

The Immigration System of the United States comprises of visas (temporary) and Green Cards, which ensures permanency. One of the most famous and sought after visas is the H-1 visa, which is also known as H-1B visa. This category of visa is for those people who have a four-year degree or equivalent. A total of 65,000 H-1 visa is there to be issued annually. During the Fiscal Years 2001 to 2003, 195,000 H-1 visa was issued. All those people who work at universities and non-profit organizations are not counted. 1400 visas from the annual count of 65,000 are reserved for Chilean citizens and 5400 are reserved for Singapore nationals. Also, visas that are renewed are not counted in the annual target.

Many foreign people start their journey from student visa. They get access to the country on their F-1 student visa and while they are in their Optional Practice Training, they look for an employer who is ready to sponsor them for H-1 visa. One great benefit is that people on this visa can apply for Green Card while they are on the visa. Therefore, in spite of the fact that students come to the US with the intention of leaving, as required by their application form, the structure provides them the option to live permanently.