Why Are H-1B Visas a Good Option?
During the high tech boom of the 1990s, H-1B visas were quickly snatched up by computer professionals, and the annual quota of 195,000 was rapidly filled. Waiting lines developed to get H-1Bs, and it took many months for Canadian physicians to obtain H-1B visas. Now, however, H-1Bs are much easier to come by. The line for H-1Bs has gotten shorter because 1) the high tech bust has reduced the number of computer professionals seeking H-1Bs, and 2) the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) recently introduced a system called Premium Processing. Under this system, the INS guarantees a two-week processing time on H-1B petitions, with the payment of a $1,000 “premium.” This premium, and most other immigration expenses, are usually paid by the employer.
