Want to apply for h1 b April 2008

[vipulkatira]

I came to USA on H4 in October 2008. I am a graphic designer age 33 with over 9 years of experience in India.

I want to know :
1) Can I apply for a H1B this april 2008 (assuming i get a employer).
2) One of my prospective employer is a local small company around 35 people who has never applied for H1B. Will this hamper my chances ?
3) Overall what are my chances of getting a H1B in this over heated economy. Any other options besides H1B.


Thanks in Advance

 

[Samir Das]

Surely you can apply for H-1B in April 2008 and will be subject to the lottery, if it applies.
No problem if your prospective employer has 35 employees and hasnt applied for any H-1 in the past.
The slow economy will not really affect your H-1B chances, if your employer and yourself have the right credentials.
Good luck!

 

[GotPR?]

I'd bet that there is no lottery on the 1st day due to slow economy(i'd call it fraud if H1 quota exhausted on April 1 when unemployment is soaring). It eventually will get exhausted some time later and the applications which are received on the last day may go lottery though.
You had better read the blog that Mr. Khanna wrote in this forum. It was about start up company sponsoring the H1. If your company was making good profit, it might be fine, but small companies are always scrutinized during H1 process.