Information for Software Temp Workers coming from
India to USA

This page is designed mainly based on the questions I received from friends in India who got their H1 petition approved. What next....??? Please let me know if you find this page useful... I appreciate your feedback! Well, before I go any further, let me make the disclaimer very clear... The webmaster (that is ME) does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of contents on this page. The webmaster has taken utmost care to provide correct are reliable information. This page is only intended for information purposes.

Most of the H1 workers coming from India to US work as contractors. Contracting is temporary jobs for a specific project in a company. The company where you work pay the consulting company for the hours you work. Though you are paid a monthly salary, the consulting firm is getting paid on an hourly basis. Most of the contracts are for a duration of 6 months, which will be extended as required by the project. There may be many consulting firms (widely known as 'head hunters') between your employer and the company you work. Each one takes a 'cut' on the amount you make! That's the reason every Green Card holder from India has a dream of starting a consulting company to bring people from India and become millionaire in a short period!!

Well, initially and between projects you may be on "bench", that is out of work... most of the time with salary! This is the period you attend interviews sitting at home (over phone), do some reading, watch a lot of TV, make phone calls, do a lot of sleeping, and tell a lot of lies!

This is one question everyone has but there is no definite answer I can give. Most of it depends on the platform you have experience in and your place of work. Although there are websites which give you an idea of what the hourly rate for a contractor or salary for an employee, since you are on H1 and there will almost be two companies taking 'cut' on your rate, you don't see most of the money you make! The best is to ask a friend in the US, preferably in the same area where you are supposed work. He can give you a better idea of salaries, cost of living, etc. Once you are in US, you may be able to switch companies to get a good salary! Generally ERP consultants make good money (that's why so many training centers in Madras and Hyderabad offering courses in People Soft, SAP and Oracle Financials!!). Salary Survey for Computer Professionals

To be frank, it does not matter! You may browse the net for more information on the company. Negotiate the initial salary well with the employer. Make sure he pays you from the day you land in US. Some companies will only reimburse your expenses till you get a job, and pay salary from the day you start work... Be careful in signing 'bonds', though 'we' say they do not have any value in the courts! Ask the employer about his consultants, where they are placed, how many are on "bench", who are his clients, what is the average time for him to place a consultant, whether you can contact one of his employees, how long he is in the business, etc. The most important thing is you do not submit your I94 or H1 original to your employer. You need these when you leave the country or switch job.

I94 is a card issued to you by the US INS (Immigration and Naturalization Services) when you enter this country. You need I94 to leave the country. You get a new I94 each time you enter US or you have new H1 (change company).

Social Security Number is an unique 9 digit number which has sort of become your identity in US. Once you reach US, you must apply for a SSN. You may go to the local SS Administration office and apply for one showing your Passport and I-94. You will receive the card within a few weeks. For more information on SS and the benefits, visit Social Security Administration Online.

The tax percentage and components vary from state to state. These are the major components under TAX in your pay check.

1. Federal Income Tax

-----> Rate Table for 1999

-----> Standard Deductions

-----> Calculate your tax (Enter 0 for tax paid!)

2. Social Security Tax

-----> The rate is 6.20% (.062) on wages up to $65,400.

3. Medicare Tax

-----> The rate is 1.45% (.0145) on wages.

4. State Tax

-----> Rate Table for 1998

Many people ask this question, and I do not have a definite answer. When you land in US, for some days you'll be accomodated in a guest house (apartment) or a hotel, till you find your first job. Abhijeeth Chachad has compiled a good list of items, though it is for a student in UTA Dallas, I beleive it is helpful and there is no point in me repeating it out here.

It is very helpful if you know driving before coming to US. IDP is not a must, but is good to have. You can rent a car here with IDP and a credit card.

This depends on the client where you work. Most of the work places, the dress code is 'business casual' - that is casual dress, no canvas shoes, no jeans, no shorts... you know! It is better you bring at least 2 suites.

In most of the major cities all Indian grocery shops are available. Even otherwise you will be able to get most of the groceries needed for Indian type of cooking (except masala!)

Maps of the United States

The H1B Application Process

US Visa News - This site has step by step procedures and a bunch of info!

The automated system asks you several questions and only then it'll give you, the status. It might be pretty expensive for you to check from India. You need to know your LIN number and which SERVICE CENTER to check the status.

Price of the car - Kelly Blue Book

Monthly payment calculator for auto loan

You can look for Apartment Locators in the Yellow pages and tell them your requirement (like single/double bed, fitness center, swimming pool, covered car parking, etc) and they will find give you a list of apartments from which you can choose. Also you can find Apartment online. All apartment locator services are free.

The major expense you should be worried about is the apartment rent. Visit the Apartment Locators page to see the approximate rent you would be paying. Consider the tax payment and if you own a car, the monthly payments for car also. If you go for a new car, the interest rate could vary anywhere between 7% to 12%.

The weather channel

For every credit card and charge account you have ever used, your credit report contains information about you, your payment record, any credit disputes or litigation you may have been involved in, even the names of companies that have requested your credit record. Your credit history can determine whether or not you get a credit card, a loan, what interest you will pay, whether you can open a charge account, and even whether you can get an apartment. Potential lenders rate your credit status based on your credit history. They may obtain one, two, or even all three major bureau reports to make their decisions. There are three major credit reporting agencies Experian (TRW) 1-800-831-5614, Equifax (1-800-967-0016) and Trans Union (1-800-899-7132). Credit History and Your Future.

It is better if you have a major credit card (Visa, Master, Amex, Discover). If you are new to US, the easiest would be to get a 'Secured Credit Card' or Debit Card, which is like a bank account, you deposit the amout in the beginning and utilize that. These spendings also go into your credit history, so you can get a 'real' credit card! Most of the banks now have either Visa or Master card logo in their ATM cards, so you can use these cards as credit cards too. It may be easier to get a credit card from a credit union like DCU, based on your employment and salary. Or you can get a charge card from American Express. For charge card, you pay the amount in full every month, where as in credit card you have to make only a minimum payment.