[untog]

but because he'll probably end up in the US on an H-1B visa.

Actually, getting an H1B visa without a college education is near-to-impossible. I have a college education that isn't in computing, and I've had to provide evidence of six years of work experience as an alternative. I doubt our 19 year old friend will be able to do that.

Plus he can't "work for food for two months"- in fact, just that being on his site would probably be a giant red flag for immigration. You have to be paid a prevailing wage.

The easy answer here is to do internships. I'm not sure what the visa situation around them is exactly, but I'm sure it's easier than getting an H1B.

[bri3d]

I agree that an internship would probably be easier overall, but the organization would need to be approved as an "Internship Program" first. I think there's a limited incentive to do all the lawyering necessary to get only one person in for less than 12 months, which is why we don't see many J1 interns in the valley.

Plus, my word of warning about painful working conditions applies doubly to a J1 internship visa, which as far as I know doesn't allow a transfer between companies (or quitting) at all.

[MetalMASK]

The VISA situation for internship would be F1, specifically F1-CPT. It would be much easier if Filip is studying in the US, but it is still easier compared to getting H1B.

Getting a silicon valley company to give him an offer would be a per-requisite.

[46Bit]

It's J-1 more likely. F1-CPT from a glance seems to be for things like placement years as part of a Uni course rather than something personal.

[alexholehouse]

H1Bs, without a significant body of work to prove yourself with, are VERY hard to come by. Believe me.

[untog]

Oh, I know. I'm in the process right now, and have been for over six months...