Navigating Visa Applications

🌟 Your Roadmap to Securing an F1 Visa: A Step-by-Step Guide 🎓 Thinking about studying in the U.S. and need an F1 visa? Here’s a roadmap based on my recent experience that might help you navigate the process: 1. Apply to Multiple Schools: Start your applications 2-3 months before deadlines. Aim for at least 5 schools to increase your chances. 📚 2. Contact Your School’s Engineering Department: Once you get admission offers, reach out to the engineering school and class advisors to inquire about graduate or teaching assistantships. Early communication can help secure funding opportunities. 💼 3. Maximize Your Chances: Applying to more than 5 universities increases your chances of receiving a 50-100% assistantship, which can cover tuition and living expenses. 🌍 4. Choose the Best Offer: Once you have your assistantship offers, select the best one. Obtain your I-20 form from the chosen university by fulfilling their requirements, including a bank statement. 🎓 5. Select a Sponsor: Choose a blood relation for your sponsorship to enhance your visa approval chances. 👨👩👧👦 6. Complete the DS-160 Form: Submit this online form with accurate information and pay the $180 fee. 📝 7. Pay SEVIS Fee: The SEVIS fee is about $350. Ensure you pay this after receiving your I-20 form. 💳 8. Book Your Embassy Appointment: Apply for your embassy appointment 3 months before your intake. You’ll need to secure admission and get your I-20 form within 25-35 days. Embassy appointments can take 30-60 days, so plan accordingly. 🌐 9. Defer If Necessary: If you face delays in getting an appointment, you might need to defer your semester. Don’t worry; you can still secure your visa and defer your intake to the next semester if needed. 📅 I hope this guide helps you navigate the F1 visa process smoothly. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further advice from me. #F1Visa #StudentVisa #GraduateStudies #VisaProcess #HigherEducation #InternationalStudents #EngineeringManagement #StudyAbroad #VisaTips #EmbassyAppointment #EducationFunding

Finding a job as an international student is already tough. But securing a company willing to sponsor an H-1B visa? That’s an entirely different challenge. Not every company is open to hiring international candidates. Some avoid sponsorship due to costs and paperwork, while others don’t understand the process. This means international students need a different job search strategy. Instead of applying everywhere, focus on companies that: - Have a history of sponsoring H-1B visas (track record matters). - Already have international employees on their team (they understand the process). - Are large enough to afford sponsorship (startups can be hit or miss). - Companies Known for Sponsoring H-1B Visas (Based on past sponsorship trends) + Tech & Software: Apple, Netflix, Uber, Airbnb, Salesforce + Finance & Consulting: JPMorganChase, Goldman Sachs, Citadel, BlackRock, McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Deloitte, PwC + Healthcare & Biotech: Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, GSK, Amgen + Engineering & Manufacturing: Tesla, GE, Boeing Many of these companies actively recruit international talent and have well-established visa sponsorship processes. Now... How can YOU Increase Your Chances of Getting Sponsored? + Check the company’s H-1B history – Use platforms like MyVisaJobs or H1BGrader to see if they’ve sponsored before. + Leverage referrals – A warm introduction from an employee can make a huge difference. + Optimize your LinkedIn and resume – Make it clear that you bring skills worth sponsoring. + Use your STEM OPT first – Many companies are more open to hiring candidates on OPT before committing to H-1B. + Be upfront in interviews – If sponsorship is a must, clarify it early in the process to avoid wasting time. Visa sponsorship is a hurdle, but it’s not impossible. The key is targeting the right companies, networking strategically, and making yourself stand out as a candidate.

Lots of recruiters / HR people in American companies are hesitant to consider candidates who will need a visa to work in the United States. Not every work visa requires a ton of cost or paperwork! Here's a quick guide to work visas for anyone hiring for American companies: TN visas - citizens of Canada and Mexico can work in the US on a TN visa. Generally easy to acquire for most professional / corporate jobs. Paperwork burden for US companies is minimal. Cost is zero to the company (the applicant will pay a small fee at the border). You can handle these without using an immigration lawyer. H1b visas - nonimmigrant foreign nationals can work in the US using an H1b if they are in a "specialized occupation" such as engineering, architecture, medicine, etc. There is a fair bit of paperwork for the employer, and generally at least 5-10k worth of filing and attorney fees (worth it!). O1 visas - this visa is reserved for professionals with "extraordinary ability or achievement." This visa is generally reserved for people in research, science, medicine, and the arts. This requires recognition / acclaim from leaders in that field. These visas are more difficult to acquire, but an agent can apply on behalf of the candidate, or the employer can file. If someone is filing for an O1, you want to work with a lawyer. However hiring someone already holding an O1 requires very little paperwork or cost to the employer. F1 OPT (sometimes just called OPT, STEM OPT, etc) - foreign nationals may work for any employer following their graduation from an American University. This lasts for 1 year, but if the candidate has a degree from a STEM field, it can. be extended another 2 years. There is no cost to the employer, and no paperwork burden to hire these candidates (aside from signing a form). This too you can handle without a lawyer but after 1-3 years they will need to switch to another work visa.

*** Navigating the New U.S. Visa Interview Rules **** The Department of State has announced a significant policy shift, drastically reducing the eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers, effective September 2, 2025. This change reverses the more lenient policies of the past few years, and as a practical matter, it means that most visa applicants (including H and L visas) will now need to attend an in-person interview. Here’s what you need to know about this important update. The End of Broad Interview Waivers Fundamentally, the previous, broader authority allowing consular officers to waive interviews for various visa categories is ending. The age-based exemptions have also been significantly narrowed. Going forward, only a few specific categories of applicants will be eligible for an interview waiver. Who May Still Qualify for an Interview Waiver? The exceptions to the in-person interview requirement are now limited to the following groups: Certain Official and Diplomatic Visas: This includes applicants for A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding personal employees), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1 visas. Renewals of Visitor Visas (with strict conditions): Applicants renewing a B-1/B-2 visitor visa may be eligible, but only if they meet all of the following criteria: They are renewing a full-validity visa within 12 months of its expiration. They were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued. They are applying in their country of nationality or residence. They have never had a visa refused (unless that refusal was later overcome or waived). They have no other apparent or potential ineligibilities. Key Takeaways and What to Expect Be mindful of the most critical change: applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, who were previously often exempt, will now generally be required to attend an in-person interview. This marks a substantial shift and will impact families and elderly travelers. Note also that consular officers retain the ultimate discretion to require an in-person interview for any applicant, for any reason. An applicant’s eligibility under the renewal category does not guarantee a waiver. Given these changes, all prospective applicants should now anticipate the need for an interview. It is essential to check the website of the specific U.S. embassy or consulate for the most current procedures and operating status as you plan your application. #USImmigration #VisaPolicy #InterviewWaiver #BusinessImmigration #USTravel

"How can I stay in the US after graduation?" This is the #1 question I get from every international student who walks into my office. The reality? Only 25% win the H1B lottery. That means 75% get rejected and face a terrifying choice: leave the US or find another way to stay. I've helped hundreds navigate this nightmare. Here are the 5 backup pathways most students don't know exist: 1. Go back to school Enroll in another degree program to maintain your student status. Not ideal, but it buys you time and another shot at H1B next year. 2. Self-sponsor through your own company New rule as of January: You can now sponsor yourself for H1B through your own business. The catch? You need a board of directors who can fire you and enough company revenue to justify your position. 3. National Interest Waiver (NIW) If your work benefits the US significantly, you might qualify. Tech professionals with patents or published research have the best shot. 4. O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability) Not just for celebrities. Software engineers, researchers, and entrepreneurs with significant achievements can qualify. 5. E-2 Treaty Investor Visa If you're from a treaty country, invest $100K+ in a US business you'll actively manage. I discovered this pathway myself when I was scrambling as a student. The hard truth? Most international students arrive with zero backup plan. They put all their hopes in a lottery with 75% failure rate. Don't let this be you. Start researching alternatives during your first year, not your last semester. Network immediately. Build relationships. Understand which companies sponsor visas. Your career shouldn't depend on luck. Follow for more immigration insights

To obtain a U.S. work visa as a Flight Dispatcher with an FAA Dispatch License, you generally need an employer in the U.S. to sponsor you. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1. Find a U.S. Employer Willing to Sponsor You Look for airlines, aviation companies, or dispatch service providers that hire foreign flight dispatchers. Apply for jobs through websites like: JSFirm.com Indeed.com Glassdoor.com Airline career pages LinkedIn 2. Apply for a Work Visa The most common visa options for foreign Flight Dispatchers are: H-1B Visa (Specialty Occupations) Requires at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Your employer must file an H-1B petition with USCIS. There is an annual cap (lottery system). O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) If you have significant experience and achievements in dispatching, you may qualify. Requires evidence of extraordinary ability in your field. TN Visa (for Canadian & Mexican Citizens) If you're from Canada or Mexico, you may qualify under the USMCA (NAFTA) Agreement. Flight Dispatchers are not explicitly listed under TN-eligible occupations, but some related fields might work. Employment-Based Green Card (EB-2 or EB-3) If an employer is willing to sponsor you for permanent residency, they can file for a Green Card. Takes more time but allows long-term employment. 3. Employer Files a Petition The U.S. employer submits a petition (Form I-129) for an H-1B or O-1 visa. If applying for a Green Card, they file PERM labor certification first. 4. Get a Job Offer and Secure Visa Approval Once USCIS approves the petition, you can apply for a visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. 5. Travel to the U.S. and Begin Work After receiving your visa, you can legally work as a Flight Dispatcher in the U.S. Alternative Paths OPT (Optional Practical Training): If you studied in the U.S., you may qualify for OPT. L-1 Visa: If you work for a company with a U.S. office, they can transfer you. Would you like help finding potential employers? 🚀

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝟯 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄; 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝟮 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗨.𝗦. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 I recently spoke with two former U.S. consular officers who’ve interviewed thousands of student visa applicants. Their insight was clear: Most rejections come from poorly framed answers to a few simple questions. Here are the 3 that matter most: ① Why did you choose this school❓ ↳ If your only answer is “because they gave me a scholarship,” that’s a red flag. ↳ Officers want to see that you applied to multiple schools and made a thoughtful decision. ↳ Applying to just one school can signal lack of planning. ↳ And yes; school reputation matters. Harvard vs. a low-tier institution could significantly influence how your case is evaluated. ② How are you going to fund your education❓ ↳ Saying “someone else is paying” without clarity won’t cut it. ↳ Scholarships from the institution are generally preferred. ↳ If your funding source is external, you must clearly explain:  → Who is this person or organization?  → Why are they sponsoring you?  → Is this support guaranteed for the full duration? ③ What are your plans after graduation❓ ↳ For non-immigrant visas, any sign that you’re not planning to return to your home country is a problem. ↳ Your answer must clearly show:  ➤ How your education fits into your long-term goals  ➤ How it connects to impact in your home country  ➤ What job, opportunity, or plan you’re returning to ——————————————— 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: These aren’t trick questions. They are clarity questions. What’s one interview question that caught you off guard in your application journey? ♻️Repost for others #StudentVisa #USVisa #GraduateSchool #VisaInterview #F1Visa #ScholarshipTips

The H-1B lottery results were announced last month. Exactly 50% of our applications were selected, leaving the other half wondering if they'd need to leave America behind. But after years as an immigration attorney, I've learned something crucial: the lottery is just one path of many. Here's what the rejected candidates need to know: Immigration success requires strategic planning well before deadlines hit. The government works on their timeline, not yours. If your H-1B application wasn't selected, consider these alternatives: • O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability. While challenging, it's lottery-free and requires documented achievements in your field. • J-1 Visa: A viable option for some, but requires careful planning as not all J-1 programs are created equal. • Cap-exempt H-1B employers: Universities, research organizations, and certain non-profits can hire H-1B workers without lottery restrictions. • E-2 Visa: If you're from a treaty country and have funds to invest in a US business, this could be your path. One client started a sneaker cleaning business after multiple H-1B rejections. • Further education: Extending your stay through additional degrees while building qualifications for other visa categories. The harsh reality? Sometimes you may need to return home temporarily. I've seen cases where even perfect planning falls apart due to circumstances beyond control—like when an HR person accidentally posted a PERM job to LinkedIn instead of following proper procedures, derailing a foreign national's green card process. Remember: You're mostly at the mercy of employers and immigration policies, so educate yourself early. Don't wait until denial to learn about alternatives. The immigration system isn't intuitive, and circumstances are highly fact-specific. What worked for someone else might not work for you. Think three steps ahead. That's how successful immigrants navigate our complex system. Need personalized guidance for your situation? My profile has a link where you can connect with me directly. #ImmigrationLaw #H1BVisa #WorkVisaOptions

How I would go about finding a summer role as an international student First, you need to know it’s not too late to find a summer internship! I know how challenging it can be to find an internship as an international student, but with the right strategy and a proactive approach, you can still land a role. Here’s how I’d go about it: 1️⃣ 𝐈𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 Not all companies can or will sponsor visas, so start by targeting those that do. Use platforms like: ⭐ MyVisaJobs.com (for sponsorship trends) - https://lnkd.in/eC7W8Bsu ⭐ H1BGrader (to check past sponsorships) - https://h1bgrader.com/ ⭐ Simplify and Handshake (filter for visa-friendly employers) - https://lnkd.in/eveZBcg2 ⭐ FrogHire.ai (helps international students find companies open to sponsorship) - https://lnkd.in/eEubGzFR 2️⃣ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 & 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 Many roles have rolling deadlines, so apply ASAP! Don’t wait to mass apply. Apply within 7 days of the job posting going up. It’s not a hard rule, but it’s a good way to stay competitive. 3️⃣ 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐬 & 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 Your friend group can be a great resource for job leads and company insights. Back in college, my friends and I would recommend each other to recruiters and share our knowledge of companies that sponsored international students. If you don’t know someone at the company yet, a warm referral can really help your application stand out. 4️⃣ 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 & 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 ⭐ Engage with company recruiters on LinkedIn. ⭐ Find professionals in your field (working for the company of interest) and ask for informational interviews. ⭐ Join community centered or professional networking groups like ColorStack for additional support. 5️⃣ 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 If traditional internships are limited, consider: ⭐ Research assistant roles at your university or other universities. ⭐ Micro-internships with Parker Dewey - https://lnkd.in/ekQxh6_E. ⭐ Summer research programs. See list here: https://lnkd.in/eJWieBN9 To get you started, here are some non-FAANG companies known to hire international students:  🌸 Salesforce 🌸 Bandwidth Inc. 🌸 Eli Lilly and Company 🌸 EBSCO Information Services 🌸 Cisco 🌸 EY 🌸 Deloitte 🌸 Dell Technologies 🌸 HubSpot 🌸 Duolingo 🌸 IBM 🌸 Slack 🌸 Amgen 🌸 The Home Depot 🌸 ServiceNow 🌸 DEKA Research & Development You can also follow Put Me On to see new roles that opened recently. 💬 If you know other companies open to hiring international students, drop them in the comments. You never know who you’ll be helping. If you’re an international student still searching, don’t get discouraged! Roles keep opening daily. Stay proactive and remember, I’m rooting for you 💙 #putmeon #internationalstudent #hiring #internships #college #studentsoflinkedin #jobs