Get a H1B visa in Korea - in my case

* This posting is just from my personal experience. It couldn't be used commonly.

After you accept the offer letter from US based company, a lawyer of the company will proceed the visa process for you. I got a H1B visa status at last year, 2006. It took almost one and a half years since I have accepted the offer.

1. Visa quota for H1B - just 65,000 cap at FY 2007

The applications are able to be accepted from April 1. The screening of applications is started at beginning of the fiscal year(FY). The start of FY in US is October 1. The applicants who pass both screening and interview are able to start working from October 1.

The quota usually reaches in a few months. At 2005 the quota for 2006 reached at around July. Nobody expects when the quota is reached. The faster is better.

2. Interview and finger-print at US embassy

Congratulations on passing the screening of applications. The lawyer will send you whole application documents including I-797, your resume, offer letter and job description. You can reserve the interview through the website of US embassy in Seoul. Remind yourself to prepare all documents listed.

The Consul who was my interviewer asked 3 questions. "How did you find the company?" "How long have you worked for the branch in Korea?" "What'll be your responsibility for your job position in US?" It took only 10~15 minutes. Please speak loudly with confidence.