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> And as I understand, I still need a degree for the US H1-B visa

I got an H-1 for someone without a degree (a special kind of machinist in this case) but we had to demonstrate he had significant expertise equivalent or that exceeded a degree. It's doable but difficult -- we really needed him and couldn't find anyone local at all.

Talk to your future employer if they can arrange at least remote working for initial few months and if you are not able to gather paper works then revise the process. Meanwhile you will have breathing room to look for ways that you can travel and work. You can take short trip and work there for initial few weeks(though I am not sure about the other visa, these are my guesses) to know the system and team. As an experienced person then you can work from anywhere. So talk to company if remote work is a possibility even with a pay cut.

Is working remotely an option? At least until you get the degree?