MY JOB IS THE FUTURE. I’m AN IT PROFESSIONAL
THE UNITED STATES NEEDS iT PROFESSIONALS
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), a government agency that assesses and classifies U.S. labor market conditions since the popularization of the internet and mobile telephony in the 1990s, there has never been a shortage of IT (Information Technology) professionals in the U.S. as there are today.
The BLS statement could sound contradictory, as the U.S. technology market recorded record sales and hiring records throughout 2019, but it is exactly this success that has caused the current shortage of IT professionals.
The number of new companies, startups and businesses related to information technology and technology that has emerged in the last 10 years, especially in the Silicon Valley (California) region has resulted in a curious situation where there are more jobs available than qualified people to fill these vacancies.
As with many other professions, the United States needs to count on the talent of foreign professionals to meet the demand of the information technology market. Approximately 35% of IT professionals currently working in large U.S. companies come from China, India and Japan. And the trend is that this search for the “intellectual capital” of other countries will become even more intense in the coming years.
There has been a large increase in the number of foreign IT professionals in the last 15 years, many of them with full bachelor’s degrees and even with postgraduate and MBA courses within the area. In the same time frame, the number of large U.S. multinationals in other countries increased considerably, many of which sent their local employees to take IT courses or, in many cases, transferred their IT professionals from their countries to the United States, through the granting of the L-1 visa, which allows the performance of temporary work in America.
The experience that foreign information technology professionals have absorbed in recent years make them ideal candidates to seek a job and the status of Legal Permanent Residents (Green Card Holder) in the United States, thus contributing to avoid the current scenario of scarcity of employees in this area. What many IT professionals are unaware of is that there are specific American visas to make this dream a reality.
MEET THE MOST SUITABLE VISAS FOR IT PROFESSIONALS
While many IT professionals are able to work temporarily in the U.S. on non-immigrant visas, such as H1-B or L-1, there are far more interesting options in the long run; the “EB” (employment-based) visas are reserved for professionals with emphasis on their careers and, depending on the profession, a higher academic background. In the area of information technology, often most suitable option is the EB-2 NIW.
In addition to it being a visa that leads to the granting of a definitive Green Card to live in the USA, the EB-2 NIW still has the great advantage of not necessarily requiring a formal work offer or employer in the USA, the applicant is evaluated only on the basis of their own qualifications and career history.
Because it is a visa that meets the national interest of the United States (in the case of IT professionals, to help solve the problem of shortage of professionals in the country), EB-2 NIW is an excellent immigration option for those who wish to progress in their careers in the job market that offers the best opportunities worldwide. In addition, none of the restrictions applied in recent years by the current U.S. administration against immigration programs or laws have affected “EB” visas. On the contrary, the U.S. government continues to encourage the arrival of skilled immigrants through these visas.
If you are an IT professional and identified with the profile described above, send us your resume and come talk to our team. Our legal department will evaluate your immigration possibilities for free.
CHECK OUT THE 5 MOST NEEDED IT POSITIONS IN THE U.S. AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SALARIES:
1- SOFTWARE ENGINEER
They are everywhere, from the internet browser to the most used cell phone applications have been developed by software engineers. As industries around the world become more and more computerized, the demand for software engineers will not decrease very soon.
Salary: A software engineering manager can earn on average up to $144,793 ($829,664) a year.
2- SAP ABAP DEVELOPER
In the case of the SAP ABAP developer, the responsibilities are to evaluate existing codes, provide technical support, and ensure the proper operation of computers and their software, presenting the best possible solutions to the companies’ operational needs.
Salary: A SAP ABAP developer can earn on average up to $139,920 ($801,742) a year.
According to Indeed’s economists, SAP ABAP experience is among the most lucrative skills to be had in an economic downturn, paying $26,065, or $149,352 more than the average income level of the top ten technology jobs combined.
3 - COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECT
The responsibility of an architect in this area involves designing, testing, and evaluating an organization’s network system, which requires an excellent technical and structural understanding of the company. They usually work directly with the I.T. director to plan where the organization will need new networks. The demand for computer network architects will increase even more as companies continue to expand their use of wireless and mobile networks.
Salary: A senior computer network architect can earn on average up to $131,527 (R$753,650) a year.
4 - DATABASE ENGINEER
Engineers in this field manage the flow of information in a company. They create and maintain a database that provides relevant information to other employees in the company. Database engineers are constantly in demand by financial services companies, healthcare companies, and other organizations that deal with a large amount of information.
Salary: A database engineer can earn on average up to $124,100 ($711,093) per year.
5- RUBY ONRAILS DEVELOPER
A Ruby onRails developer is an expert in creating the back-end of applications, such as databases or websites, and providing technical support. They can either work for web design or development companies, such as software companies or marketing agencies.
Salary: A Ruby onRails developer can earn on average up to $123,805 ($709,403) a year.
OPPORTUNITIES IN SILICON VALLEY – THE IT PROFESSIONALS DREAM
The birthplace of the world-famous technology companies such as Google and Microsoft, Silicon Valley began to attract the world’s attention during the 80s, when there was a great advancement in advanced technologies, which over time allowed the popularization of computers, internet and telephony services. Today, Silicon Valley plays a key role in the U.S. economy and development, accounting for more than 226,000 jobs in the technology sector.
TIPS FOR LOOKING FOR A JOB IN SILICON VALLEY?
- In addition to the aforementioned Google and Microsoft, several “giant” companies are present in the Valley, including: Apple, Adobe, Facebook, Ebay, Pixar, Intel, HP, Yahoo, Electronic Arts and many other companies that are constantly hiring new employees;
- Although job search platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed are very popular in the U.S. it’s important to apply for vacancies that are posted directly on the websites of major companies in the Valley;
- Find out which IT areas are most requested in the U.S. and look to specialize in one of them. Developer, Systems Analyst, Database Administrator and Software Engineer are just some of the many professions with the highest job offer in the country;
- Attend technology events such as conferences, seminars and workshops, and try to create a strong network with Silicon Valley professionals, this will improve your chances of being considered for a future opportunity.
ADVANTAGES OF WORKING IN SILICON VALLEY
- High pay. Google’s salaries, for example, reach $105,000 a year;
- You will work and learn from the best professionals in your field;
- Opportunities to grow within a company that has a global presence;
- The chance to subsequently obtain a Green Card sponsored by your employer, based on your performance and extraordinary skills.
HOW CAN AG IMMIGRATION HELP WITH YOUR VISA APPLICATION PROCESS TO THE USA?
Many Brazilian IT professionals who have an outstanding professional career and a higher academic qualification may be entitled to permanent residency in the USA and are not even aware of it. For this reason, AG’s Legal Department performs a free evaluation of your profile and your immigration possibilities.
AG Immigration is one of the leading immigration law firms in the United States. Our team of renowned attorneys and professionals with recognized experience are able to deal with all types of American visa cases, whether it is for temporary work or for an application for a green card in the country.