The Visa Struggle

Question

Hi,
I am considering applying for an MBA program and while I was shortlisting schools I noticed a big challenge. The visa. In the USA, after you OPT expires, you are at the mercy of a lottery. So even if you find an employer who will sponsor your H1B, you can never be sure. Student visas at all european nations expire at graduation.

With the cost that each program comes with, most students go into debt. Is it really worthwhile to take such a risk ? I mean, it turns out that if luck doesnt favour you, you might just have to return home with a mountain of debt (and no job).

Mo2men · Answer

In the US, you can pursue other masters which called 'STEM'. It gives you up to 3 years after graduation to stay in USA. When you target this master, make sure it is mentioned clearly it is STEM program.

While you are right about European visa, you miss something. After graduation, you can change the type of visa to something called 'searching for job'. You can enjoy 12-18 months. It may sound difficult to finance your accommodation during this period without securing a job but it is better than returning home. UK has its special case for visas.

I hope it helps

somnathbabu · Answer

Thanks for the information buddy.

MBAPrepLatam · Answer

Just to add...

At Wharton, if your minor is in Statistics, you have 3 years of OPT, so you can work with that authorization and at the same time, applying for the H1B.

Best,

Javier

somnathbabu · Answer

Hi Javier,

Thanks for the info. But I am not targeting Wharton. Any such options for McCombs ?

Mo2men · Answer

I advice you to target the adcom in McCombs with this question. You can cite the Wharton case mentioned above.

HanoiGMATtutor · Answer

How do you sign up for a minor in Statistics within a Wharton MBA program? I only see options for majors.

MBAPrepLatam · Answer

Sorry, my bad. It's for Major not Minor.

aerien · Answer

Whether it's worth it to you is a personal decision. Most will tell you to look into banking, consulting, and even tech roles as those firms have a history of sponsoring visas and know the process. And if you're a strong performer, most of these firms have offices worldwide, so you could transfer to an office in a country where you have work authorization should the lottery not work out for you.

The Visa Struggle

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