H-1 Alternatives?

Question

As of June 2006, the quota for H-1 visas has been filled (65,000).

I'm a business man who is in dire need of hiring few foreign nationals for my business. These guys are HIGHLY experienced computer engineers who will basically make or break my business (located in Silicon Valley).

My questions:

1) Any alternative routes?
2) Is there a way to "bend" the quota/limit? Any exceptions to the rule?
3) I hear J visas are a possiblity.. any thoughts on this?
4) Can I also hire someone who's on a tourist visa (via H-1)?
5) Does this quota apply if I am hiring someone who already has a H1? (i.e. transferring the visa sponsors)

Answer 1

Go offshore and open/ acquire a company. Then hire these guys for that organization, and send them over on L1 category. Downside - L1 can be applied to someone who has been with the company for at least 1 year

Some cmpanies have open labor certificates - these companies can hire these guys on these labor certificates, and you would then hire them as contractors. So, you will need to look for companies with open labor certifications, that are willing to do business with you. Down side - you'll have to pay these middle men too.

The only exception to the H1 quota rule is, that if they are medicos, or if they graduate from US universities. Doctors dont fall under the H1 quota - possibly you could hire docs, and make them do your work (not really); foreign graduates of US universities get an additional 20,000 H1 visas, and that quota is still not filled up.

J1 is an exchange visitor/ student visa - not for working for a private concern - unless you are in an area of research thats of national interest. And your company is a research lab, affiliated with a university, or known center of learning and research.

B1 to H1 visa conversion is possible - so you could hire a tourist, but I hear that now, there's a need for the tourist to go back, and get the H1 stamp from the home country.

The H1 quota does not apply if you transfer an H1 via sponsorship, So, you can always hire folks with existing H1 visa.

Answer 2

there is ppl that do have a treveling visas and I am sure if one has a visa can come here for a year like I did. but have to be with this person that you are in contact with to be there to meet him at the border to show who you both and how how long you two have known each other or you can ask for a visiters visa if one don't have one but he has to have a passport to come here what place. if one is from.immergration will take each one of you and talk to make sure the that you say the same story before one will give you permission
on my side it was getting Canada