[brendangregg]

Lucky. Every time I've switched on H-1B, I've been advised by immigration lawyers to not tell my current employer for fear of retaliation, along with anecdotes to convince me that the retaliation risk is real and happens in the bay area.

It's extremely painful secret to keep -- it's unfair to be unable to talk to coworkers about your future plans (as instructed by legal council), and one that detriments career growth (you're forbidden from discussing early on that you are likely to quit, at a time when it may be reconcilable with your current employer, and lead to better things: new positions, pay rises, etc.).

[ashwinaj]

You're right about that. But sometimes the only way to get a pay raise is to get a competing offer. It is a risk to ask your new employer to file for a H1 transfer and then back off (at the risk of pissing them off). I haven't done it personally, but I know a lot people do it.

I usually drop hints about a pay raise or change of responsibilities and if my manager doesn't oblige within a reasonable amount of time, then I know it's time to leave. It's nothing personal, but if someone else values me more than my own employer I'd rather seek greener pastures.