Tech Professional’s Journey: From Pakistan to Silicon Valley on H-1B

I’m Faisal Mahmood, a software engineer from Lahore with 5 years of experience. After working for several tech companies in Pakistan, I wanted to work in Silicon Valley – the heart of the global tech industry. I got a job offer from a leading tech company in California, and they agreed to sponsor my H-1B visa.

Global Consultants helped me understand the H-1B visa process, which is complex and requires employer sponsorship. The H-1B is a lottery-based system with limited slots, so timing and proper documentation are crucial. The consultants helped me and my employer prepare all required documents, including my educational credentials evaluation, job description, and Labor Condition Application (LCA).

The H-1B cap season runs from April to March, and applications are submitted in early April. My employer filed the petition in April 2022, and I was fortunate to be selected in the lottery. The consultants then helped prepare for the visa interview at the US Consulate in Karachi, where I needed to demonstrate my qualifications and the nature of my job.

I received my H-1B visa approval in September 2022 and moved to San Francisco in October. Working in Silicon Valley has been incredible – I’m surrounded by the world’s top tech companies and talented engineers. The work is challenging and rewarding, and I’m learning cutting-edge technologies. My salary is $140,000 annually, which is competitive for the area.

The H-1B visa is initially valid for 3 years and can be extended for another 3 years. During this time, my employer can sponsor me for a green card through the PERM process. Alternatively, if I qualify, I could apply for EB-2 NIW or EB-1 visa for self-petition.

Living in San Francisco has been amazing – the city is beautiful, diverse, and offers an excellent quality of life. The tech community is vibrant, and there are endless networking and learning opportunities. My employer is supportive and helping with my green card application.

The journey from Pakistan to Silicon Valley has been challenging but rewarding. Global Consultants provided excellent guidance throughout the process, making everything smooth and organized. Working in the US has opened doors to incredible opportunities, and I’m excited about my future here.