[Manishearth]

A lot of companies (Microsoft is one example that I know of) are sidestepping H1-B entirely for college hires (and perhaps other channels of hiring?) for L1. Hire in Canada or the UK; apply for L1; transfer to the US in a year or two.

Apparently it's much more straightforward (and less prone to chance) as compared to H1B.

[vadym909]

Its actually pretty cool to see Microsoft 'hacking' the visa system. They opened a center in Vancouver and put all their international hires there for 1 year, then brought them into the US on an L1 which allows them to get a greencard in 1 year- which prevents them from being in the 10 year to be free queue.

[pm90]

Its not ideal for the employee though, since they are restricted to work for one employer. But otherwise, yes, it is a very good deal.

[therein]

You should be able to transfer your H1-B to another employer, though. I didn't think it was that hard.

I recently got married and filed for AOS.

[zb]

You can, but the parent was talking about an L1, which cannot be transferred.

[findjashua]

only L1A is faster than H1B though, L1B seems to take the same amount of time http://www.immihelp.com/l1-visa/l1-visa-based-greencard.html