I was working as s/w engineer in one of a renowned company. I went to US on business visit for 3 months. I liked the country of opportunity and like every other s/w professional, I also wanted to go there on a long term thru a consultant. I have heard that in the year 1999 and 2000, one need not spend any amount for getting H1B. And from 2001 to 2003 there was an impact of recession & no. of people going to US reduced. But, things were up in 2004 and with a gut feeling that I will get H1 I approached many consultants. The conditions are as below.
Consultant 1: Good salary ($65K p.a.). No bench salary. No job guarantee. U may need to change location after a contract is complete. May be every 3 months. Lastly, pay Rs 1 Lakh the consultant during the time of application. It will be returned once your reach US thru him.
Consultant 2: Job is guaranteed. Bench salary will be paid. No deposit. But the salary was very less (US $30000 p.a. exclusive of tax)
Consultant 3: Job is guaranteed. Bench salary will be paid. Salary is moderate (US $50K p.a. inclusive of tax). But, I need to sign a bond that I will pay Rs 2 lakhs if I don%u2019t travel to US thru him.
Consultant 4: Rules are same as consultant #1.
Consultant 5: Rules are same as consultant # 1 except that you don%u2019t need to pay the deposit, but submit all your original documents like passport, educational certificates to them.