Does working in the US make sense for international students right now?

I'm a rising junior at a top target in the US (HYPS) but am seriously concerned re: H1B and the overall visa situation. I've heard it's become really hard to get H1B given the increased competition every year and all the cuts which have really slowed down the overall efficiency of the divisions that deal with this. I am wondering if I should try my luck in the UK. Wages are of course a bit lower but I wonder if the lack of stress re: visa (given the high potential visa scheme etc) make it worth it. It just seems tough to navigate recruiting for IB and then PE with the whole H1B process. I'm also not sure how feasible that transition from IB to PE is for internationals with H1B and having to stick with that employer in mind. Would seriously appreciate any insight. 

2 Comments
 
  • If an international is considering moving to the US to study: now would be the perfect time to reconsider, given the nature of the current situation, lack of job opportunities in general and lack of sponsorships going forward
  • If an international student is already in the US, they could try gaining a sponsor, but also look for a role abroad. If they don't speak any languages, then maybe the flexible places like Canada, UK, Australia might work out. Many other nations would prefer someone who is native or very fluent in their own local language.
  • There is no harm in using OPT until OPT programs get either limited/canceled/altered in a way that it becomes unusable.
  • The ROI for studying in the US is leaning towards a bear case now.
  • The big exceptions are, of course, all other avenues for legal migration, i.e. family sponsorships like marriage, or jobs that don't have the limitations seen in the free job market.

    Even with a sponsor, a job and eventually a visa; there is a time limit for gaining permanent residency. The odds aren't great.

 

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