whats the difference btn H-1 visa and sponsorship to work in the US?

Question

I m currently looking for a job. I m under F-1 visa. I've applied for my Opional Practical Training(OPT) and its good for one year. If i can get a job within 1 year, i will have to apply for the H-1 visa.
Now, i've seen many job descriptions saying they only want applicants who can work in the us WITHOUT SPONSORSHIP. Do they mean they are avoiding people like me?
Also, since i m on OPT, i practically need no sponsorship for this one year. Should i still go ahead and apply for those jobs?

Answer 1

Yes H1B's are hired only when an employer cannot find a citizen or Permanent resident. Some employers like the one you encountered, might have been laying off US Citizens & Permanent residents. If thats the case they cannot make a good case for hiring you (unless the skill set you have is rare to find) with USCIS. It can be possible that the employers you talked to might need some sort of security clearance and a foreigner cannot get it. Thats another reason why they dont sponsor people.

H1B quota was over in a span of 5 weeks last year. You might want to get more info on quota issues etc by asking Q's on immigration forums

www.immigrationvoice.org is one such org where H1B's pursuing Green card flock around.

Answer 2

Go ahead and apply.

What's the worst that will happen? they'll say no.