Author Hitesh Dev is the COO at Devout Corporation and a health tech consultant, supporting Federal and Commercial organizations since 2002.
In my past publications, including a more creative endeavor with a novel called “To H-1B or Not to Be,” I explore the H-1B visa journey—a process filled with ambition, challenges and sacrifice.
There is great complexity to the U.S. immigration system, with many emotional and logistical hurdles faced by aspiring immigrants seeking to secure one of the most coveted work visas in the world.
With an eye toward making this narrative ring true for business leaders, I would like to unpack the process of obtaining an H-1B visa and highlight the personal and professional sacrifices immigrants often make along the way.
Understanding The H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, typically requiring theoretical or technical expertise. Fields like IT, engineering, finance and healthcare are common industries that leverage this visa. Employers must sponsor prospective employees, demonstrating that their skills are not readily available within the local workforce.
Key steps in obtaining an H-1B visa include.
1. Finding a sponsor. The journey begins with securing a job offer from a U.S.-based employer willing to sponsor the visa. This can be a daunting task, especially for individuals living abroad, for employers often hesitate due to the costs and uncertainties of sponsorship.
2. Filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA). The employer must file an LCA with the U.S. Department of Labor, ensuring that hiring a foreign worker will not adversely affect U.S. workers’ wages and working conditions.
3. Filing a Form I-129. After the LCA is approved, the employer files Form I-129 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), providing detailed information about the job, employee and company.
4. Get placed in a lottery. Due to high demand, the H-1B program operates under a lottery system. Currently, only 85,000 visas are issued annually, including 20,000 for applicants with advanced U.S. degrees. Many highly qualified candidates fail to secure a spot due to sheer probability.
5. Visa approval and stamping. If selected, the USCIS processes the application, and successful applicants attend an interview at a U.S. consulate in their home country.
The Emotional And Professional Sacrifices
• Leaving familiarity behind. One of the most significant sacrifices is leaving behind a life built in the home country. Immigrants must part with family, friends and familiar cultural norms to chase professional dreams in a foreign land.
• Financial strain. While employers cover many costs, applicants often invest heavily in education, training and skill development. Relocation expenses, housing, and lifestyle adjustments further add to the financial burden.
• Career uncertainty. Despite meeting all qualifications, candidates may not secure a visa due to the lottery system. This uncertainty forces many to put career plans on hold.
• Workplace pressures. H-1B holders frequently face high-performance expectations, knowing their visa status ties them to their employer.
• Limited mobility. The visa’s terms often restrict job changes, confining immigrants to roles within the sponsoring company. This lack of flexibility can hinder career growth and force individuals to endure unfavorable work conditions.
• Impact on family life. For immigrants with families, the journey involves additional sacrifices. Spouses on H-4 visas often face restrictions on employment, leading to feelings of dependency and frustration. Children may struggle to adapt to a new education system and cultural environment, adding to the emotional toll.
How Companies Can Support H-1B Professionals
In the current environment, I believe we need to support H-1B professionals all the more. Here is my advice for doing this:
Work with your HR team to help them adapt. If they bring their families, their families will also need to adapt to a new culture and support network. My company has been able to support a few H-1B professionals, and I can attest to how extending this extra support can make it all worth it.
Create a collaborative culture. Encourage the professionals to be involved in team-building activities and other social activities. This can help them feel part of the team. When possible, try to also involve family members in social events.
Focus on equitable treatment. Ensure H-1B employees receive the same opportunities for growth, compensation and benefits as other employees.
Resilience And Aspirations
The journey to securing an H-1B visa is as much about personal growth as it is about professional advancement. While the process offers unparalleled opportunities, it demands immense sacrifices, testing individuals’ resilience and adaptability.
Aspiring immigrants must carefully consider these factors as they embark on their pursuit of the American Dream. I hope for the information here to be a cautionary tale as well as an inspiration, urging leaders to understand the costs and rewards of the H-1B path.
Overall, I believe the H-1B visa is a path for transformative experiences and brighter futures in the land of opportunity.
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