The IT marketplace is global. That also goes for the people who staff it. Over 100,000 technical workers enter the United States each year through the H-1B visa program, which provides special visas for workers in high-demand areas.

The H-1B visa is available only through employers. If you are currently living outside the U.S. and wish to work in technology in the U.S., your best bet is to find an employer who is willing to sponsor you. Once you are in the U.S. it is possible to transfer your visa between employers, although in some instances it may make it more difficult to obtain legal permanent residence (green card).

If you want to work on a contract basis but use a service such as Marblejar to find your own jobs, you may wish to investigate such sites as www.H1Bjobs.com. This service provides a greater degree of freedom than many consulting firms offer.

Information on U.S. immigration is available at:

www.ins.usdoj.gov, the official site of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

"Do it yourself" immigration sites:

www.us-immigration.com, focuses on all types of visas, permanent residence, green card, DV lottery and US citizenship.

www.immigrationvisakits.com, provides kits that include everything you need to apply for and obtain a temporary visa, visa extension or a permanent residence green card.

www.myvisa.com, a full-service visa site run by National Immigration Services, an internet law firm exclusively practicing U.S. immigration law for a global clientele.

You may also want to participate in the alt.visa.us newsgroup, in which users share opinions and advice about U.S. immigration.

Hiring a Lawyer
Many employers or consulting firms will assist you with the immigration process, but you may find it necessary to hire a lawyer to perform some or all of the work and make sure your interests are being protected.

There are many immigration lawyers in most U.S. metropolitan areas, but these sites can help you to find the right legal representation for your needs.

www.abanet.org, the official site of the American Bar Association, the largest legal organization in the U.S. Most reputable lawyers are members of the ABA, which keeps track of disciplinary actions and other information about its members.

www.uslaw.com. This site provides legal guidance, a listing of lawyers, and other resources for those who need to deal with the U.S. legal system. Be sure to check out their article on evaluating lawyers before you hire someone to represent you.

www.freeadvice.com. This site provides basic legal advice and listings of lawyers.