Write up by Shri Dhiraj Gosar about Alternate to H1 visa and seeking information to help KOJAIN’S students.
Subject: Alternate to H1 visa
To follow up to my previous email on this subject, I have lifted the following quote from a recently released study.
“ Although the total Indian student enrollment in the US has increased considerably in 2002, the number of F1 Visas issued in 2002 is not greater than those issued in 2001. The increase could possibly be explained by economic factors. Due to the economic slowdown in the U.S., several students including Indian students are not finding optional practical training (OPT) opportunities so many of them are extending their U.S. study period. Undergraduate students are continuing as graduate students and masters and doctoral students are simply not graduating”
--FROM INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION (http://opendoors.iienetwork.org)
For most students coming to USA for education, it is as much a business decision
as getting advance education. For
many the dream is becoming a nightmare. With
the job prospect looking very dim, it has become a major concern for foreign
students on campuses. This has
already affected numerous students who have completed their studies but have
decided not to graduate until they can get some job offer in order to maintain
their immigration status. With the
economy being so weak and busting of “the tech bubble,” the hiring prospects
are very dismal. The attached
article indicates 22% increased in Indian student population.
Increased student population has also left many students without any
financial aid. It appears that it
could be a long wait before this situation will be resolved.
I am soliciting
suggestions from all knowledgeable individuals on helping KOJAIN students over
come this difficulty. Examples of alternate solutions are:
Is it possible for student to get some kind of business visa and if so what will it take (in term of cost and qualification)?
To obtain Canadian residency, what are qualifications, cost and any relevant fact
Any other vocational/training program to obtain H1 visa
Attachment:
My previous email.
Dear Friends
As most of you know that recent graduates have not been able to secure employment after graduation. Some of them may be able continue further graduate studies to maintain proper immigration status. In most cases, this is not an ideal option without some financial assistance, which has also become difficult to obtain.
As an alternate path, some are looking at getting residency in Canada. Recently, I have received many inquiries on this subject. I will appreciate if you can share any knowledge you may have. Also if you know anyone has secured Canadian residency recently under similar circumstances. We will need to find out what are the requirements, procedure and time period to obtain for the paper work.
Please pass this email to all who may have some knowledge and willing to help us.
Regards,
Dhiraj Gosar (gosardm@yahoo.com)