[untog]

Well, I'm not from India, so no, I didn't. I changed jobs by going out, looking for a job, applying for it, and interviewing.

The principle is absolutely simple- an H1B visa is freely transferrable to a new employer. There is absolutely nothing (legal) that your old employer can do in retribution once the transfer is complete, and it is possible to go through the transfer process without notifying your current employer.

[ashayh]

The problem is almost always for people from China, India, Mexico and Philippines. The Green Card process takes less than a year for all other countries except these. The Green Card paperwork takes a lot of time and effort for people from these countries. While doing the paperwork, there are extended periods where it does not make sense to look for new jobs. That pushes the expected date further in the future. For example, as of today, people who applied for the GC in 2004 and have a MS or 5 years of experience, are just eligible for it now: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_5885.html