[BeetleB]

H-1B visas. To convert to a green card, you need to demonstrate a labor shortage, and a common way is to post job openings, look at the candidates, and tell the government "They all sucked compared to the guy we currently have."

If they don't suck, the guy fails the labor certification and may have to wait a year to apply for the green card again. However, he doesn't lose his job, and the qualified candidate never gets an interview.

So yes, it's pretty standard for the companies to post openings they don't have.

But I really doubt they post on the HN jobs board. Most will go through more formal channels.