Thanks AJS for the insight. It was definitely helpful knowing why the problem exists in the first place .. not even small firms are hiring non-citizens/green card holders. From what I have seen at the Univ. I dont think american graduates (the average ones i mean) are upto it. SO definitely the demand is not being met. Dont know how long they'll be able to sustain this ridiculous job requirement. I am almost on the verge of changing my field altogether.

Btw AJS does getting a PhD help in the green card process (as in it will probably take 4yrs to get a phd.. can you apply for the green card as a student ?

NA, I am not sure. I know that there is an "extra-ordinary qualifications" category for GC that is available to folks with advanced degrees. I am not sure if trying this while not having a phd will fly. I dont know anyone that successfully did this without a phd - not to say it wont work. If you go the labor certification route - you need a job and a sponsor (employer), so this work work from grad school. Classic catch 22!

AJS

So you have to rely on your own educational system.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_drain

Jake:

my previous posts r casual, only for fun, else I have respect for any as well as US. US has several advantages that we can't ignore them, only US goverment has some irregular policy that we hope it is resolved with time.

Have a good weekend !

You cannot apply for a green card as a student. When you finish your studies you can be granted an F-1 visa for "practical training" for up to 1 year. As long as you find a job, getting the F-1 is fairly automatic. During that year you need to be working on getting an H-1 which is harder, also needs company sponsorship and can be renewed for several years. Generally it takes many years after the H-1 to get a green card, but you can short circuit some of that time by applying as an "outstanding researcher". Having a PhD for that is not an absolute requirement, but if you don't have one, you have to prove that your job skills (which were gained elsewhere) are in such demand that you deserve the cut in line. I wouldn't give up too quickly. Its not easy to find qualified engineers these days in the US and my company has certainly sponsored its share of F-1/H-1/greencard holders. A very small company might not take on all the problems of applying, but for a larger one with prior experience with H-1's and is not 100% defense oriented it should not present a problem. I sincerely hope most people in this thread know far more about CFD than they do about the US emigrant work practices because most of them obviously don't know anything.

Thanks TG

Dear NA,

I asked a friend in the US about this one and I received the following. This information may have appeared already, but the number of replies is such that I cannot be bothered to read them all.

Given the H1B Visa process, international applicants with work permits are the ones that are practically eligible for this position. As a policy, for those international applicants already in the US, some outfits do sponsor their H1B Visa and subsequent permanent residency applications.

If you do not have a US work permit (H1B or Permanent residency), then the next application cycle is April '08 and a joining date of Oct '08.

Regards,

Thanks Peter I do have a one year OPT after which I would require the H1 sponsorship. The sponsorship doesnt seem the be the problem though. UE govt. does not want non US Citizens / Green Card holders to be working on these jobs.