OPT Struggle (One Year Visa) - Looking for Advice
Hey everyone,
I recently started as an IB analyst in New York on OPT. I’ll have one or two more chances at the visa lottery next year, but the odds aren't great. If I don’t get it, I’d like to relocate to London or Canada (my bank has a presence in both, though I’m unsure about the presence of my specific group in these countries). I like my group (interned with them last summer) and want to position myself well for relocation in a year. Should I also network with other banks in London/Canada in case relocation isn’t an option? I'm open to other front office roles but prefer to stay in IB.
Alternatively, I could pursue a STEM master's and try to rejoin my bank or re-recruit, though I’ve heard master’s recruiting can be tough. Any advice would be appreciated
Bump
Do London, absolutely do not do Canada, doesn’t matter what bank. Do not, and I can’t emphasize this enough.
Second option, obviously STEM masters. Since you already come from IB, you can tell the bank beforehand it will help you with 3 year additional work and extra chances/probability.
If immigration is priority over IB then work at a non-profit org, you get H1B without lottery.
My advice would be go to London if you don’t get the H1B.
Did you manage to land anything yet?
Verbal offers in the US, until HR discusses start date and says we can't sponsor H1B directly - even for the visa-friendly boutiques.
In Canada, had a newly launching hedge fund who said he can hire me but doesn't have the budget to pay me. Another had TBD in the fund's name during the presentation who wanted me to do the fundraising. So I ran.
That's the closest it gets in Canada, haha.
Can confirm do not come to Canada. Country is a disaster and the government + boomers are perpetuating denial due to influx of immigrants inflating their real estate portfolio value. It’s a shit show, not a lot of people are doing okay here. Get out while you can.
When do I bring this conversation up with my group? Right after the visa lottery next year (March - if I don't get it)?
Think it's too early to bring this up now.
Why don't you do IB in your home country? The UK is currently not necessarily pro immigrant either.
The capital markets are unfortunately not developed enough to support a good career at the junior level.
Understand US/UK/any other country technically dont owe me anything, but willing to work extra hard to build a career as an international
just do a master's or mba (stem concentration). Do not leave the country imo
In my opinion, doing a STEM Master's is probably the best option. You have a guaranteed seat in a country with the highest amount of opportunities with a team that you like and one that likes you back. I did this when I ran out of eligibility and it worked out really well for me. You get a nice one year break without having to deal with a new environment or the uncertainty of finding your way back to the US.
Many master's programs will also throw money at you so that they can pad up their stats regarding placements.
When did you have the conversation of doing a masters with your group (post visa lottery in your last eligible year)?
Do you think running out of eligibility in 3 years vs 1 years makes a big difference (obviously STEM degrees allow for more time to work, build relationships, trust, etc, but is one year also sufficient - unfortunately my degree is Non STEM
I had this conversation in the months leading up to the final lottery. I didn't want them to get blindsided by this option and wanted to plan in advance. Realistically most master's programs have deadlines in January the year of enrollment so you have to have that wrapped up before the final lottery attempt.
My undergrad degree wasn't STEM either. I previously interned at the group I was at so that helped a little but realistically my performance during my first year helped a ton. Since you mentioned you are well liked think they should be open to this idea.
del
if you can go to UK.
you might be making little bit less but the lack of stress on your visa status and being able to travel freely is worth a couple 100 grand atleast
I know Canada is getting a lot of slack, but immigration wise, its the best. In ~1 year, you can get your PR, and citizenship within another 2 years. You can freely go work in the US on a TN which is a non-lottery. In the short-term yes, it will hurt your career as opposed to going to London, but in the longer run, it will provide a safety net if you intend on being in the US.
I would still be cautious since Liberals are losing by elections and they're changing immigration policies last minute.
Think it will affect more of the low-skilled immigrants and students who pursue diplomas / certificates. Qualified candidates will have it much easier imo
Marry a US citizen (not joking)
Actually, many people in my undergrad did this after regulations regarding defense employment changed.
This is by far the best and sure fire way to cure immigration worries.
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