Which firms reliably sponsor for IB SA28? (H-1B/STEM OPT)
Recruiting for summer IB 2028 SA roles and wondering if anyone has current insight on which firms reliably sponsor. For context, I have STEM OPT eligibility through F-1, which I think keeps JPM's door open despite their strict requirements.
Old sponsorship threads on here are mostly pre-2026, before all the uncertainty around H-1B and TN visas. Trying to figure out if that's actually impacting SA offers and SA-to-FT conversion.
From what I've found so far:
- GS, MS, BofA, JPM generally sponsor, though JPM reportedly requires 3yr STEM OPT eligibility
- Evercore has the best rep among EBs for being open to international candidates
- Lazard, Moelis, PJT sponsor but are more selective
- Jefferies, Mizuho, Nomura have decent track records at the MM level
Heard these firms don't sponsor: Wells Fargo, HSBC, BNP Paribas, SocGen, MUFG, Guggenheim, Piper Sandler, Stifel, William Blair, Baird, Raymond James, KeyBanc, Scotiabank NYC, BMO NYC, TD Securities NYC, CIBC NYC, Lincoln International, Qatalyst, Allen & Co, Solomon Partners, Harris Williams, Truist
Would appreciate any insight on other firms that do or don't sponsor so I don't waste time networking somewhere that's a dead end. Also, if there are specific groups that sponsor would appreciate insight into that as well. For example, I think only RX at HL sponsors.
Thanks in advance.
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here’s a breakdown of firms and their sponsorship tendencies for IB Summer Analyst roles, particularly for international candidates with STEM OPT or H-1B needs:
Firms That Generally Sponsor:
Bulge Bracket Banks (BBs):
Elite Boutiques (EBs):
Middle Market (MM) Firms with Decent Track Records:
Firms That Reportedly Do Not Sponsor:
Additional Notes:
Recommendations:
If you’re targeting specific groups or have further questions, feel free to ask!
Sources: 2024 SA - Visa Sponsorship - US Investment Banking, 2024 SA - Visa Sponsorship - US Investment Banking, Banks Sponsoring International Students - 2023 SA, Banks Sponsoring International Students - 2023 SA
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Ignore title.
EVR didn’t file H1B for their incoming AN1s this year but are still accepting OPT. Citi should still sponsor. Confirming the GS/MS/BofA/JPM insight - they sponsor neutrally. No color on UBS and DB but UBS should still sponsor and DB apparently rolling back sponsorships.
thank you really appreciate it. interesting that EVR isn't filing. do you know if they are waiting to file after 1-2 years as an analyst or they simply dont go through the hassle anymore and expect them to exit once their OPT runs out?
Ignore title, incoming SA 27 here.
BBs: JPM sponsors. GS probably does. Not too sure about MS and BofA. UBS stopped. Barclays and DB also probably stopped.
EBs: Could be wrong about EVR but I did not see any internationals in their SA 27 class on LinkedIn. Moelis sponsors. PWP does not.
Buyside: BX and Ares sponsor. KKR and GA do not.
Think Jefferies stopped sponsoring too
MS, PJT, CVP, Citi, Ducera, and Raine sponsor as well.
For MM: HL, Rothschild, Santander, Macquarie
can second I don't believe jefferies sponsors anymore
i had a friend who got in as SA 27 as international - PCA
Never seen an international analyst at GS.
Ignore title. Friends with a few.
Where’d you hear socgen. Thought they were p open to sponsor
They are probably not sponsoring. So I have heard.
Even if they do not sponsor H1B, is full time conversion with OPT ok with some firms?
Funny story - a friend got asked to confirm that he does not need sponsorship now or future LIVE at a JPM nyc superday. They might favor kids who do not need sponsorship.
Intl here. I don’t find this story funny, actually.
Shi I feel the same, sorry for the bad phrasing. I tried to lighten up. Things getting harder for sure.
idk why this got asked in a spd instead of initial screening
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Stay in your own country! Dont take Americans jobs!
Anyone heard about Santander's policies? Heard mix things. Jeff and Citi too - rumored to be back to sponsoring. Not sure if true. Barclays is not sponsoring H1B but fine with opt from secured source.
I think Citi is always open to sponsorship right
Sure hope so...
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