3. 1INTRODUCTION
1.1Overview
To cater to the need of manpower in US for 2009-2010, ebusinessware Inc.
is hiring 600+ candidates on various technologies for H-1B. This document
offers a detailed guide to prospective candidates to understand various
aspects of working under H-1B Visa and ebusinessware’s role in facilitating
your employment in US.
1.2Purpose
This booklet helps prospective candidates in getting detailed information
on their agreed employment in US under H-1B Visa with ebusinessware
Inc. For your convenience, this information booklet has been made into
a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) format that covers a wide range of
queries, doubts and information that you might have regarding working
in US.
2FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
2.1Tell me something about ebuisnessware
ebusinessware is a global technology and business services firm offering
innovative solutions to a varied customer base. Founded in 1999,
ebusinessware is headquartered in New York, US, with offices in UK,
Singapore, India, Australia and starting in Japan as well. Our Offshore
Development Center is located in Gurgaon, India. We are already under
discussion to expand in other developed countries. Our multi-shore
strategy utilizes UniRAD, a proprietary virtual project management
framework, to co-ordinate between Centers of Excellence located in
Gurgaon, India and US, UK, Australia and Singapore.
We have a global strength of over 700 employees. Our primary business
domain is the financial and service industry. Our clientele include
Citigroup, Barclays, Credit Suisse, Reuters, Merrill Lynch, UBS and
Prudential etc. Our solutions and services cater to niche and specific
areas of the financial industry such as Credit Risk Management, Market
Risk Management, Global Trading Systems, Portfolio Management and
Measurement Solutions etc.
80% of our projects are live projects into development; rest 20% are on
support and customization for the product developed by ebusinessware.
EBW has been consistently growing over the past years and has
4. registered a total growth rate of more than 50% in the last couple of
years alone.
ebusinessware, Inc. is an employee owned firm and is also the employer
of choice for large number of employees in USA due to its technology
and domain based training, competitive salary structure; additional
benefits, as well as excellent career growth opportunity. We have
established a framework for creating lucrative platform for deserving
professionals to work in the state of the art environment in the US.
To know more about us, visit www.ebusinessware.com.
2.2How did it all begin?
ebusinessware traces its genesis in US in 1999, where Edward Hoofnagle,
present Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and Sanjeev Midha,
present Group President and Chief Technology Officer joined their rich
expertise and experience in the financial domain to establish a company
that delivers top-notch technology solutions and services to banks and
financial institutions.
Soon after, in 2000, an Indian office was set up as an Offshore
Development Center (ODC) by the name of Softkey Infomatics Pvt. Ltd.
headed by Ashu Chadha, present Managing Director, Chief Administrator
and Managing Partner (Asia Pacific). In 2005, Softkey Infomatics Pvt. Ltd.
was re-christened as ebusinessware India. Over the years, ebusinessware
India has been successfully tapping cost-effective and rich talent pool
available in India to deliver high measure of quality solutions and
services to the financial market worldwide.
ebusinessware has also extended its global presence to places like
Singapore and Australia with state-of-the-art setups and about 70+
employees.
2.3How is ebusinessware different from body shoppers?
Body shoppers are basically job-placement consultants who place
candidates in different companies across the globe. These candidates
are normally on contractual basis and once their contract ends, they
have to again apply for a new job.
On the other hand, ebusinessware is an IT development firm that
delivers solutions and services to financial institutions. 80% of our
projects are live projects into development; rest 20% is on support and
customization for the product developed by ebusinessware. Along with
5. India, we have well-established development centers also in US, UK,
Singapore and Australia. Our technical resources are often posted to
onsite locations as per the requirements. However, unlike body
shoppers, if candidates for any reason are not able get an onsite
assignment, they are always absorbed into the existing development
team back in India. Moreover, every candidate recruited by
ebusinessware is a permanent employee of the Company and comes
under our direct payroll.
2.4Are there any pre-requisites to applying for H1?
There are certain pre-requisites that we look in a prospective candidate,
which are as follows:
Candidates should have 2-5 years of IT experience in the following
technologies:
•Java/J2ee
•.NET
•Oracle PL/SQL, Forms
•DBA’s – Oracle, DB2, SQL Server, Oracle Apps, UDB DB2
•SAP Consultants
•Siebel Consultants
•Oracle Apps Consultant
•QA/Testing
•C++, Unix
All these candidates should be open to relocating anywhere in US.
All candidates should furnish to us a Bank Guarantee of Rs. 85,000 for a
period of 2 years
Candidates should be with good academic background (B.E. / B. Tech /
MCA or equivalent).
Candidate should have certifications like – Sun Java, Microsoft, OCP,
etc.
2.5 I want to know more about H1-B
The H-1B category is an excellent and lawful method to bring foreign-born
professionals temporarily to the US, and therefore one of the most widely
sought-after visa classifications for employment in the US. US Government
6. has fixed the ceiling for total number of H1s at 65,000 for the year 2009-
2010.
In order to meet the growing demand of quality software engineers and
architects, business analysts, project managers, DBAs, SAs professionals in
the USA, we are currently in the process of selecting the suitable
candidates for filing for the H1 visas in myriads of contemporary
technologies like Java, .NET, Oracle/PLSQL, SqlServer, C++, ERP (SAP,
Oracle Apps, People soft).
An individual may work in H1-B status for a maximum of six years.
However, a petition will not be granted for more than three years. An
extension of stay is requested if an individual is in H1-B status already and
he or she is eligible for a longer period of employment. Certain aliens
working on Defense Department projects may remain in H1B status for 10
years.
The advantage of an H-1B visa is that you can work legally in the US in
non-immigrant status, get the visa quickly after the petition is approved,
you may travel in and out of the US or remain in the US until the visa
expires and H4 visa is available for accompanying family member (spouse
and minor children under 21).
2.6What would be the Interview process?
Once the application is received from the candidate, he is called for a
series of Face-to-Face interviews - an Aptitude Test followed by a
Technical Test and finally an HR round.
Candidates are requested to submit photocopies of their educational
and work experience letters and certificates.
ebusinessware extends Offer Letter to the short listed candidates and
collects photocopies of their educational and work experience letters
and certificates.
Candidate is also given a form of Bank Guarantee and is asked to get
the Bank Guarantee from the bank.
2.7When will I get the Offer Letter?
Once the short listing is done, the candidate is extended an offer letter
and then asked to submit his/her documents.
7. 2.8When will I join ebusinessware?
H1 is a year long process, which spreads in multiple phases: -
Interviews: - November till Feb End interviews keep happenings at various
locations to find the potential candidates who can join ebusinessware inc.,
USA on H1-B.
Documentation: - December till March mid we collect all the documents
from the short listed candidates as advised by the Lawyer.
Filing H1 Phase: - April, when US embassy opens H1 Window,
ebusinessware then files the petition of the short listed candidates.
Technical Evaluation Phase: - Once your H1 gets approved ebusinessware
will start preparing you on the technical front. This will include multiple
technical interviews. You will be required to prepare yourself on the skills
suggested by our technical panel and you will be required to get a
technical clearance from the technical panel, before you fly to US.
You will also be required to complete your technical certifications,
suggested by the technical panel, before you are set to fly to US.
Embassy Interviews Phase: - August and September is the time when US
embassy meets the candidates, whose petition has been filed and
accepted by the Embassy.
Joining Time: - You will be required to join ebusinessware within 6 months
of the stamping is done. If someone does not join within the six months of
his stamping, unless and until there is a written approval of your extension
of joining date from the HR department of ebusinessware, we will take
the candidate as a deferred candidate and will claim the bank guarantee.
Since we keep a buffer of 4-5 months with us in which the candidates are
supposed to fly to US, we give them time to resign from their current
organization and serve their notice period also.
The H1 filling process will commence from the 1st of April 2009. However,
our past experience has shown that all documentation needs to be
completed by the end of February in order to leave last 30 days for
number of other formalities. Once the US embassy sends approvals in
October, the candidates can start flying to US thereafter.
8. 2.9What are the documents I need to submit?
Candidate is supposed to deposit the following documents to file his H-1B:
1.Proof of educational and professional qualification.
2.Work Experience Certificates.
3.Updated resume of the candidate.
4.Documents relevant to professional experience – Appointment letter,
Relieving letters, recent Salary Slips, Bank Statements etc.
5.Document supporting Age Proof – Birth / Matriculation certificate.
6.Copy of Passport as proof of its validity.
7.Previous US VISA copies.
8.Copy of ITR (Income Tax Return)
9.Copy of PAN No.
10.Declaration of Dependants.
11.Marriage Certificates / Birth Certificates are required for Dependant
Pass Application.
12.Passport-sized photographs (50mm X 50mm with white background).
2.10When will ebusinessware collect my original Passport?
No, it is not at all required for you to submit your Passport to
ebusinessware.
2.11What is a Bank Guarantee?
Filing H-1B Visa cost more than 1,50,000 INR ($3500). To confirm the
seriousness of the candidate, ebuisnessware involve a Bank Guarantee to
safeguard both the parties.
2.12What is the Bank Guarantee process?
To make the Bank Guarantee process a simple one, ebusinessware has tied
up with CSB, a nationalized bank. This saves lots of time and effort of the
candidate in speaking with different banks, getting the Bank Guarantee
form approved in each bank and sending lots of money in getting the Bank
Guarantee. All you have to do is to sign few documents and give us a
Demand Draft or Rs. 85000/- under the name of “The Catholic and Syrian
Bank Limited, Gurgaon, CANDIDATES NAME, FDR.
Candidates can also get this Bank Guarantee done from any of the bank
they are banking with.
9. The money deposited in the bank becomes fixed and cannot be used by
either party.
This Bank Guarantee will be valid for a period of 24 months, and at any
point of time, if the candidate leaves ebusinessware before the Bank
Guarantee expires; ebusinessware will have all the rights to invoke the
Bank Guarantee and get a claim from the bank.
2.13Am I supposed to sign a Bond?
No, there is no bond that you have to sign. Just like you get an
appointment letter when you join any organization in India, similarly you
have to sign employment agreement to become an eligible part of
ebusinessware, Inc. USA. You are required to serve eBusinessware, Inc. for
atleast 1 year in USA.
2.14Do I need to work in India?
No, it is not mandatory.
2.15What is the salary bracket offered in US?
US immigration services recommend a salary that is equivalent to
American workers. The Salaries offered will be at par industry standards.
Overall, the salaries depend on the following:
1.Educational Background
2.Work Experience
3.Technology
4.Interview Feedback
Within the tenure of the candidate with EBW, if the candidate, at any
point of time, is on bench will be entitled for his full salary.
Salary appraisal happens after the completion of one-year tenure with
ebusinessware. The salary is revised 8% to 25%, purely on performance
basis.
2.16What are the Benefits filing H1 through ebusinessware?
•Permanent employee of ebusinessware.
•Fixed base salary ranging from low to high fifties in 1,000’ of USD.
•Initial Stipend of $50 per day for first 4 Weeks.
•A project allowance structure that is well above the industry average.
10. •Holidays as per US laws.
•US vacation and leave policy.
•Comprehensive Health Insurance Coverage (Major Employer’s Portion)
with the largest Insurance claims company that is valid in all of the 50
states of the USA.
•Assistance in Green Card Sponsorship.
•401K Plan with one of the biggest Wall Street-based Investment banking
companies.
•Strong HR and Administrative support.
•Strong Recruitment and Marketing support.
•Administrative support for H4 application for the immediate family.
•Administrative support in acquiring residence, SSN, car purchase, etc.
•Administrative support for helping spouse in career counseling.
•Most importantly, an instant membership in a credible credit union to
ensure the issuance of credit card right from the beginning.
2.17What are average expenses incurred by an individual /
couple?
Disclaimer: The following expenses are guidelines. They can vary from person to person.
Monthly Expenses for Single
Cost To Amount (In $)
Apartment (Shared) 400
New Car Loan* 300
Car Insurance 150
Gas (Petrol) 100
Telephone (Cell + Calling India) 100
Grocery 200
Eat Out - 4 times a week 150
Entertainment 100
Misc. Household 100
Total 1600
*Assuming person has purchased a car like – Camry, Accord etc.
Monthly Expenses for a Couple
Cost To Amount (In $)
Apartment 800
New Car Loan* 300
Car Insurance 120
Gas (Petrol) 160
Telephone (Cell + Calling India) 100
Grocery 250
11. Eat Out - 4 times a week 150
Entertainment 150
Misc. Household 150
Total 2180
*Assuming person has purchased a car like – Camry, Accord etc.
2.18Are there any tax deductions in US? Tell me more about it.
There three major Tax deductions -
•Federal tax: It is a standard tax and is applicable to all.
Schedule X — Single
If taxable income is over-- But not over-- The tax is:
$0 $7,300 10% of the amount over $0
$7,300 $29,700 $730 plus 15% of the amount over 7,300
$29,700 $71,950 $4,090.00 plus 25% of the amount over 29,700
$71,950 $150,150 $14,652.50 plus 28% of the amount over 71,950
$150,150 $326,450 $36,548.50 plus 33% of the amount over 150,150
$326,450 No limit $94,727.50 plus 35% of the amount over 326,450
Schedule Y-1 — Married Filing Jointly
If taxable income is over-- But not over-- The tax is:
$0 $14,600 10% of the amount over $0
$14,600 $59,400 $1,460.00 plus 15% of the amount over 14,600
$59,400 $119,950 $8,180 plus 25% of the amount over 59,400
$119,950 $182,800 $23,317.50 plus 28% of the amount over 119,950
$182,800 $326,450 $40,915.50 plus 33% of the amount over 182,800
$326,450 No limit $88,320.00 plus 35% of the amount over 326,450
How much is my standard tax deduction and personal exemption?
If your filing status is: Your standard tax deduction is:
Single $7,500 (around)
Married filing a joint tax return or Qualifying widow(er) with
$15,000 (around)
dependent child.
A Child Tax Credit of $1,000 is available on your tax return for
each qualifying child of a taxpayer under age 17.
More info - http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf
Calculate your tax at - http://www.dinkytown.net/java/TaxEZ1040.html
12. •State Tax: It varies from state to state. Few states are even tax-free, for
example Florida, Texas etc.
More rate info - http://www.taxadmin.org/fta/rate/ind_inc.html.
For your calculations, you can take it around 3 % to 5%.
•Social Security and Medicare Tax: It is around 7.7%.
To know more about Social Security and Medicare Tax visit -
http://www.alllaw.com/articles/tax/article5.asp
All together, the Payroll taxes can be around 20-22% for single for salary
around $50,000/year. For married, it can be around 18 -20%.
2.19Who is going to pay for my H1 filing fee?
ebusinessware will cover all H1 filing-related costs.
2.20Will you go for premium processing or normal processing?
As most of the H1 cases filed are approved within 3-4 months maximum,
filing through premium processing does not make sense. If we are able to
file your case in April ’09, we should be able to get your approval around
end of June ’09. As it is, the earliest a person can fly to US is early
October ’09; so, we will have enough time for approval and visa stamping
before that.
2.21Do I have to pay any money to ebusinessware?
No, you do not have to pay any money to ebusinessware but yes, If H1 for
2009 is through lottery and your H1 does not get selected in lottery, we
will deduct Rs 10,000 as a processing fee from Bank Gaurantee. We just
need a Bank Guarantee of Rs. 85,000. This money will remain in your own
account and your bank will take your guarantee that you will not back out
from your commitment to ebusinessware once we initiate the process of
your H1B. Please understand that the entire exercise of H1 involves a lot
of efforts from ebusinessware, not only as a part of money, but also the
kind of resources we put in for the same. We just want to make sure that
our efforts are put in the right direction.
13. 2.22Is there any hidden cost that I have to bear for H1
processing?
There is absolutely NO hidden cost for applying for H1 through
ebusinessware.
2.23Who is going to pay for my visa stamping fee?
ebusinessware covers the cost of your H1 visa stamping fee.
2.24On what visa will my family go to US?
The spouse and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of H1B
professionals are allowed to stay in United States under the H4 category
(Dependant category) for the same duration as the H1B visa holder.
2.25Who will file H4 for my family? Who is going to bear its
cost?
ebusinessware will take care of the H1 processing fee for yourself;
however, you will have to bear any cost related to your Spouse Travel. We
can administratively support you in getting the documents for H4 visa in
place.
2.26What is required to get a H4 visa for my spouse?
•H1B Approval Notice.
•Marriage Certificate.
•Employment Letter with Salary.
•Notarized copy of relevant pages of Passport of H1 holder.
•Marriage photos, Invitation, etc.
•Spouse's Passport, Visa application & Visa fee.
•Bank balance statement copy (Optional).
2.27I need my parents to go with me to US. What is the
process for that?
Ideally, it is best for the H1 petitioner to go alone and settle down in the
first six months before he/she calls his/her family (including parents). It
has been experienced that being a new place, a new environment, it takes
time to settle down, get yourself organized, take an apartment on rent,
purchase a vehicle, etc. Six months is also a sufficient time to know the
place very well and also have some savings for exigencies. Taking these
14. factors into account, ebusinessware strongly recommends that such visits
of any dependant(s) should be arranged after six months of your being in
the US.
As for your parents, they can make a visit on tourist visa (B1/B2 category)
for a maximum period of 6 months, and it can be repeated after a
break/return to India (provided the parents get a multiple 10 years B1/B2
visa stamped on their passport).
2.28What if I don’t happen to get any project in US?
You will be hired as a Permanent Employee from day one. So, you won’t
have to worry about projects. Come what may, you get your fixed base
salary every month
2.29What if my first project is over?
Normally, any client would give some notice before the project comes to
an end. Also, our Account Managers are at client site keeping a track of
the status of the project. Once we know that the project is in its final
stages, we start arranging for the next project well in advance to avoid
any/minimum off-project period.
2.30What is Social Security Number (SSN)?
Social Security Number is a unique 9-digit number that has to some extent
become an identity of a person in US. Once you reach US, we will apply
for a SSN and you will get it in 2-4 weeks. It is used from getting a driving
license, an apartment on rent, buying a car, credit card, etc.
2.31When can I apply for Green Card?
Based on your comfort level, you can apply for Green Card through
ebusinessware immediately. However, it is advisable to give yourself some
time to settle down before you think about it. As per ebusinessware, you
can apply for Green Card within 3-6 months of your joining.
ebusinesswaree Inc. immigration team will help administering your GC
process. Immigration team will let the candidate know about the complete
cost that will incur for GC and employee can have the flexibility of paying
the cost in installments to shed out the burden of GC cost.
15. 2.32How much time it will take for Green Card processing?
It can take anywhere between 24-36 months for the whole Green Card
process to be completed.
2.33What is the limit of H1 Visa?
Normally, the first H1 approval is for 3 years and can be further extended
for another 3 years. Hence, in total an individual can stay for a maximum
period of 6 years in the US on H1 visa. If you apply for Green Card during
this stay, your stay can even be extended beyond 6 years also. Green Card
processing time may change, which depends on USCIS/Dept of Labour.
2.34What is ebusinessware’s leave policy?
ebusinessware has competitive benefits policy, including that related to
Leaves/Holidays/Vacations. The same will be shared with you in the due
course, at the time of finalization of the offer letter.
2.35What are your company payment policies (Salary)?
ebusinessware pays salary to its employees monthly.
