Doing a Masters at Columbia or NYU as a Canadian, as it limits networking?

I'm considering doing a Masters at Columbia or NYU, my only concern is that it'd be very hard for me to end up staying in the US/NYC afterwards (given the difficulties of obtaining a visa right now), and I've read that one of the major benefits of the masters is the networking opportunities. Any thoughts?

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International student @ Columbia right now. Tons of Canadians in the program, most of them willing to stay in NYC. It's definitely way more challenging, but doable. If you want to stay, you'll stay. The 1-year OPT allows you to work for a year without any special visa or paperwork from your employer. Lottery system for H1B is shit tho, but might change very soon.

Start networking very early on, even before starting the program. Get knowledgeable about NYC real estate, know what's going on and more importantly, know what you want to do afterwards. Ideally, get NYC experience prior to the program (internship on J1 visa?) or during the program (internship again).

 
"The_Vulture" International student @ Columbia right now. Tons of Canadians in the program, most of them willing to stay in NYC. It's definitely way more challenging, but doable. If you want to stay, you'll stay. The 1-year OPT allows you to work for a year without any special visa or paperwork from your employer. Lottery system for H1B is shit tho, but might change very soon.

Start networking very early on, even before starting the program. Get knowledgeable about NYC real estate, know what's going on and more importantly, know what you want to do afterwards. Ideally, get NYC experience prior to the program (internship on J1 visa?) or during the program (internship again).

It's probably better to do MSF with STEM designation, so that you can have 3 year OPT.

 

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