As an international student, you networked, interned, applied to countless positions, and worked incredibly hard over the past few years to secure an H-1B sponsorship from your employer, only to be let down by a lottery that requires luck. If securing long-term employment in the USA is your goal, the H-1B process can be incredibly stressful and disappointing. Still, it’s important not to give up hope. Depending on your circumstances, it might be time to do some contingency planning and explore some of the following options with your employer and lawyer:
- H-1B Cap Exempt Jobs
- F-1 Visa Optional Practical Training/Curricular Practical Training
- Nonimmigrant Work Visa Based on Nationality (H-1B1, E-3, etc)
- Treaty Trader or Treaty Investor Visas (E-1, E-2)
- O-1 Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
- Temporary Assignment Abroad
- Green Card Sponsorship Through Employment
For more information on these options, check out this article from Interstride and this helpful post from the American Immigration Lawyers Association and Sara Mailander, Senior Associate at Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy.
