[ardit33]

no, as I already have an H-1B. But, as an H-1b holder I am only authorized to work with one company at a time (the sponsor of the visa).

For me to start working in a new company I need: 1. A H-1B visa transfer. Cost about 2,5k - 3k on fees and lawyer work. 2. Eventual green card sponsorship, as my current max allowed time will eventually expire in a couple of years. That's about 10k of lawyer/paperwork costs.

For an employer, to pay you really well, and put up the costs, you can't be only 10%-20% better than the average american programmer, you have to be a magnitude better.

Fortunately, in engineering there is a huge variance in skills (up to 10 times), and good employers recognize this.

[Vivekpuri]

Ardit33, your information is not correct. There is nothing like H1 transfer. Every time you switch employer, you have to apply for H1 visa. This also means you can hold as many h1 visas as you can get. But you can work for only one employer at any given point of time.

[0xdeadbeef]

You are correct in that one does not transfer the H1B, one gets a new one. However, if you already hold H1B status then you are generally not subject to the H1B cap. In those times when the cap has been reach this means that you do not need to wait until October 1st to start your new job.

[ardit33]

"Application Type: I129, PETITION FOR A NONIMMIGRANT WORKER" -- Yes you are right. I guess, technically is called a petition for a non immigrant worker, and while it is not a 'transfer' per se, it is not a filing of a brand new h-1b either (that is a slightly different procedure) as you have to be part of the cap.