US Firms Pass on Visa Holders Due to Red Tape, Not Qualifications

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A recent Reddit post by a US recruiter shed light on the struggles faced by F-1, OPT, and H-1B visa holders in the American job market. According to the post, immigration status is the primary barrier, with applicants often being eliminated from consideration before their qualifications are even evaluated. The recruiter revealed that many employers avoid hiring F-1 or OPT holders due to the expected paperwork necessary for sponsorship, despite being allowed to work for up to three years without it. H-1B employees face similar difficulties, as switching sponsorship can be costly and time-consuming. Many highly qualified visa holders are being filtered out due to 'risk, cost, and timelines,' not their skills, the post noted. This has led to a misconception that companies can offer lower wages or demand more from visa holders, but the recruiter clarified that salaries are generally comparable to those of other candidates. The real challenge lies in the legal obstacles and caution exercised by employers, rather than compensation or workload. Existing policies and associated costs compel many employers to favor local candidates with less experience, placing visa holders at a disadvantage. The introduction of new visa fees and stricter policies has exacerbated the challenge, making it even harder for visa holders to find opportunities in the US. They often have to give up their lives, families, and jobs to pursue their dreams, only to find many prospects unavailable. The recruiter's post highlights the need for a more streamlined sponsorship process to level the playing field for visa holders. Until then, many highly qualified candidates will continue to face rejection and disappointment in the American job market.