Should I ask about visa sponsorship during informational interviews?

I have a few phone calls lined up for next week, and I was wondering how appropriate (or rather, inappropriate) it is to ask if the firm sponsors international students. I am a STEM major and thus have opt extension for up to three years. Should I bring this topic up on my phone call?

Thanks

3 Comments
 
Best Response

If they ask whether you are legally allowed to live/work in the US - the answer from your end (due to STEM) should be YES.

If they ask whether you need any Visa sponsorship now OR IN THE FUTURE you might get into a tricky situation... because when STEM runs out you'd need sponsorship. Here I would also try to avoid the "no" and say "...that you are allowed to live and work in the US for any employer" (with the exception of govt. jobs or classified roles that require clearance)

It is in your own interest to find out about the ability or willingness of an employer to sponsor H1bs & GCs. There are employers out there who don't believe in sponsoring and never do it. Avoid them. STEM is your potential ticket to a H1b, a GC and ultimately citizenship - you shouldn't waste this opportunity for employers who don't believe in these values.

 

Hi, thank you so much for your response. My phone call next week is with alumnus and is supposed to be more causal. Do you think it would be appropriate for me to ask whether her firm (BB) sponsors h1b ? Should I mention that I am an international student without greencard but at the same time say that I am a STEM major and thus qualify for work in the US? Or should I just avoid the conversation at all?

Once again, thanks a lot for your input!

 

Impedit autem dignissimos dignissimos a et. Fuga ducimus vero et quaerat nulla maiores sunt. Et consequuntur perspiciatis accusamus animi neque dolor. Vero quia accusamus hic architecto facilis.

Velit sed facilis et id. Dolor aut sit officiis qui. Alias vel porro id ad.

Cupiditate perferendis repellat quis qui autem non. Vero dignissimos qui quis. Nihil consequatur illum harum officia voluptates officia. Illo a eos cumque temporibus deserunt.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
7
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
10
Mimbs's picture
Mimbs
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”