Is this possible at all? Has anyone done it? I'm a UK Citizen who is self taught with 5+ years experience developing web based software.<p>I may have the option of starting a part-time master's degree in computer science... Would this help even without an undergrad?
It is possible if you go for an L-1 visa where a degree is not a prerequisite.<p>If you work for a subsidiary of a US company outside of the US for at least one year then you can transfer on the L-1 visa to their US office. Just be aware that you can't switch companies like you could on an H-1B. However, L-1 visa holders can still apply for a green card. Once you have that you're free to change employers.<p>One technicality: If you work for a big company (like Google) then you're basically guaranteed to get the L-1 after one year since those companies typically hold the so called L-1 blanket. Otherwise it's a more involved process where you might get rejected.<p>I have friends who are currently on an L-1 in SF through big companies (= L-1 blanket holders) and getting it was basically a formality.<p>The L-1 also has the advantage that there is no annual cap like there is on the H-1B. You get it or you don't. No lottery. One big startup that I interviewed with opened up an office in Vancouver specifically for H-1B rejects to get them to their main office in SF through the L-1 one year later.<p>More information on Wikipedia: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-1_visa" rel="nofollow">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L-1_visa</a>
If you want to be a founder, consider this state level program: <a href="http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2015/03/30/cu-boulder-program-seeks-bring-national-and-international-entrepreneurs" rel="nofollow">http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2015/03/30/cu-boulder-...</a><p>Various states who have launched or are considering launching have different requirements. CO does require either an undergrad or masters' degree, so work experience wouldn't count. MA is Masters' only.<p>Keep in mind that the H-1B itself does offer work equivalency, but it's 3 years work experience → 1 year of academic training, which means that 5+ years is unlikely to meet the USCIS test requirements.
I did it, it cost CND$2.5k in lawyer fees, and I needed a stack of reference letters and proof that I had 7 years experience in my field to show degree equivalency. I applied as a management consultant for IT hardware/software dev. I was able to renew on that basis as well. Good documentation, a truthful story, and a good lawyer. Yes you can but you need a matching job offer from the US and evidence that you aren't displacing a US citizen for the job. Sounds rough but it was actually pretty easy for me.<p>I don't have a degree or a diploma.
If you want to go as a developer you need a degree at least the equivalent of a US bachelor degree.<p>If you are going to start a masters for this specific reason I would strongly recommend you get confirmation that the degree you're going for qualifies.<p>You'll also need a US company to sponsor your visa application.
IANAL but legally, Yes as they say "Bachelors degree or Equivalent" for H1-B visa. Not sure about other visa classes.<p>The problem is in trying to prove the "Bachelors equivalent". I personally know a friend from Bangladesh who did that successfully by using a good lawyer/law firm.