I had a 30-minute technical telephonic discussion with the hiring manager regarding my work experience. The manager was impressed by my profile and asked for all my visa/OPT/H1B related details.

In the next telephonic interview with HR, I encountered some unusual questions, such as why I needed an H1B when I could work for 36 months without one (as I am on F1 OPT). In response to my firm and professional answers, I was told that Carta has a policy to file for H1B only after completing 12 months at Carta.

I explained my eligibility for work authorization, stating that I have the authority to work for 36 months without H1B. However, I did not want to miss out on one of the three chances to get selected in the H1B lottery.

If I were to join Carta in June, I would have spent 9-10 months by the time of next year's H1B lottery. However, she reiterated that, according to Carta's policy, this is still less than 12 months.

Therefore, I declined the offer during the call with HR and sent a professional note to the hiring manager.

I am sharing this interview feedback so that other international candidates are aware of this before applying to Carta.

I understand that HR and the hiring manager will likely identify me from this anonymous post and may block me for future opportunities. But who cares? I would even suggest Henry Ward (CEO) take note and blacklist me for all future positions.

In the next telephonic interview with HR, I got uncanny questions. For example, "Why do you need H1B when you can work 36 months without H1B?" (I'm on F1 OPT.)