GMATT73 wrote:
... one year H-1 visa expired ...
H1 visas are granted for 3 years with optional 3 years extension. I believe your friends were talking about Practical Training visa, which is granted for all internationals that complete their education in the U.S.
I am speaking as an international who was able to secure the visa. Are there any specific opinions you are soliciting?
Ozmba has posted in B-School application forum that about 40% of companies are willing to meet with international students (
https://www.gmatclub.com/forum/t55864). This number sounds about right to me based on my experience. Of course this number depends on the school you attend, region/location, job market etc.
I think in general companies are cautious to hire internationals. For one thing, if a company decided to hire one then it must think about the additional costs. These costs can run up to $10k for each international hired (H1 processing, expedite, legal; and if asked, green card app fee, legal, green card processing fees etc., you get the idea). Why hire an international if you can get a U.S. citizen or a green card holder with the same qualifications without paying these costs? Will these internationals go back to their country after their H1 visa expired? Will these internationals be able to get into this year's allotted quota in time (if not then there is 1 year disruption)?
If your friends really want to get a job, I suggest your friend to actually go to job fairs / recruiting events. Some employers know really well about the H1 visa process but some have no idea. When filling the interview screening form, either put in "you can work in the U.S.' (come on, technically you can with the visa right?)
or don't fill in this portion at all. The point is to get the interview first before getting rejected. This way your friend will at least have a chance to persuade the interviewer that he/she great for the job. Also, when asked in person whether he/she is authorized work, be honest and talk about the H1 process.