April fool.

 

I find it most appropriate that the stampede for H1b visas occurs on April 1. I'm sure that the 65,000 cap was exceeded in minutes or hours this year setting up a lottery drawing once more to award the the 65,000 visas.

 

So, the question is- if a lottery is the mechanism for how I get the prize, how can I improve my chances of getting someone I need a permit to work here?

 

Enter the lottery strategy. One way (there are many which is why immigration lawyers are having a field day) is to buy multiple tickets.

 

But, unlike the state lottery where buying hundreds of tickets barely changes your chances to win the single prize, firms have learned that multiple "entries" to get an H1b significantly increeases a candidates prospects of being one of those 65,000 winners.

 

What a sad state of affairs. Companies with the most money and the canniest lawyers are incented to pay for and submit dozens of applications if they really want a candidate.

 

Ever wonder what that looks like in a meeting?

 "Hey John, let's try 2 apps for Helena. Natasha is more important than Helena so double that to 4 applications and, Ben, we've got to have Ben, he's our best bet for clinical research so he needs a 20 app package".

 

Insanity. The government of course turns a blind eye...or do they?

 

According to a recent SHRM article (available to members), DHS Rule Limits H-1B Visa Applications, an attempt to make a fairer process resulted in a new ruling where, "The federal government will reject multiple H-1B visa applications filed by a single employer on behalf of a foreign national whom the company wants to hire."

 

However, there is an exception (there are always exceptions) and "H-1B visa applications filed by related companies—such as a parent corporation or a subsidiary firm—on behalf of an individual who is a candidate for jobs at all the organizations filing applications will be accepted".