Hi everyone, 

I just got an internship approval for a government office - the Transportation Department of the state I'm living in. Looks like they also want me to continue working after I graduate (which is in a year from now). My question is: how easy (or difficult) is it to file for H1 visa from a government office? What are the possible benefits or downsides to the job? If anyone is familiar with this then some suggestions would be highly appreciated.

- hkrishna

PS: The work is related to my major.

Hi hkrishna,

It is not difficult to get H1B from government office however the office needs to approve the process which is sometimes really difficult to get as an entry level person. Since government offices use tax-payers/federal money to sponsor the person - they are not willing to spend the money unless it is high level position. One of my friend also had job offer from Department of Transporation paying around ~90K for one year (accountant) but they were not willing to sponsor.

Why do u want them to sponsor u(pay fees for H1b).Ask them for the documentation help only and hire a lawyer for the processing(Pay all the fees urself).

 Thanks for your input dapu and edipre. Since I am STEM degree holder (or will be) I will have 29 months OPT after college. Its no big deal I can hire a lawyer and file H1-B, if they will not pay me. When would be a good time to file it though, should I file at the start, middle or end of my OPT?

You can file any time! Since Government job do not fall under any quota system.