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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to know:

  1. H1-B Visa Challenges:

    • The chances of securing an H1-B visa have significantly decreased from ~90% to ~10-15% over the past five years.
    • Many banks have moved away from hiring internationals due to the unpredictability of visa approvals.
  2. Banks Hiring Internationals:

    • Banks like JPM, MS, WF, Barclays, PS, HL, PWP, LAZ, CVP, and Stephens are rarely hiring internationals for IB roles.
    • Some banks still hiring internationals include GS, EVR, DB, Citi, and BofA, though even these are becoming more selective.
  3. Effort vs. Results:

    • The industry is highly competitive, and the current market conditions have made it even tougher.
    • Despite the challenges, it's essential to recognize that effort alone may not always lead to desired results due to the current visa and hiring landscape.
  4. Alternative Strategies:

    • Consider other visa options like CPT, OPT, or even the Diversity Lottery Visa.
    • Explore opportunities with companies that have a presence in your home country and can facilitate a transfer to the US (L visa).
    • Networking and making yourself an undeniably strong candidate can still improve your chances.
  5. Perspective:

    • It's crucial to assess your situation realistically. If the odds seem insurmountable, it might be worth considering alternative career paths or locations.
    • Remember, the journey to working in the US is challenging but not impossible. Persistence, adaptability, and strategic planning are key.

In summary, while the current environment is tough for internationals aiming for IB roles in the US, there are still pathways and strategies to explore. Assess your options carefully and decide based on your personal goals and circumstances.

Sources: Is my American Dream Over?, is it even worth it for international students anymore?, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/what-happens-to-international-students?customgpt=1, Deported from US due to H1B Visa Transfer Denial, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/how-screwed-are-international-students-now?customgpt=1

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Bump

Fellow international here and I totally feel the same way as you do. Even if you get the H1B there are further hurdles down the line (green card / 60 day rule for finding a new job post unemployment).

Deep down, I’ve begin to feel that it’s not really worth the constant stress of being laid off or waiting for the outcome of a lottery

 
Most Helpful

summer 2025 recruitment is currently underway. Most banks have an application deadline around October / November with majority of offers out before Xmas.

You could always put tentative Masters at a UK target school for 2025/26 on your resume and apply for summer internships here as a few of the banks only take penultimate year students for internships. Overall, networking matters a lot less and its more about the university, CV and cover letter etc in the UK. I would imagine if you are at an Ivy league or top target school you are highly likely to land a few interviews atleast. The only issue is you may have to fly in for final round ACs to London.

Visa process is pretty smooth as you will be in the same bucket as European students from the likes of HEC / Bocconi etc for sponsorship purposes - so most of the larger banks have HR team who will take care of this. 

 

I got 15 first rounds and multiple offers as a non-diverse international whose first language is obviously not English. Had a friend who is also an international non-diverse get similar offers too. It is an uphill battle for sure, but if you are truly good enough, you will at least get one offer. GS, Evercore, BofA, DB, Moelis, RBC, Rothschild, Jefferies, Baird, William Blair, Nomura, Liontree, Raine plus more does not discriminate international students. Also, I did get first round from Citi even though I said I needed a sponsorship. Generally, one top candidate gets multiple offers.

 

If you received a return offer from a reputable bank in the U.S. during SA, I don't know why you can't get an interview anywhere. If you don't have SA experience from a reputable bank in the U.S., FT will be nearly impossible for you regardless of you being an international or not. 

 

Ignore title. I'm an international incoming MS/JPM and know many people sponsored...a large majority non-diversity. Just adding a data point.

 

Appreciate the data point! Did you intern there this summer? And is that solely for IB that you’re talking about? My point was just in general - I have friends there myself that said so, but maybe that has to be taken with a grain of salt as well.

 

Yes, I knew many of the interns from this and last summer personally. The internationals I knew mostly got returns (with 1 exception, but I think that one was more of a cultural fit issue rather than any visa-related issue).

 

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