pigletsweet

Hi,

I am looking at doing my Masters in FL upon completion of my BSc Science with hons degree in Psychology. I am from the U.K.

If I do this is there a route I can take to green card status? I have heard about internships and sponsors via a firm on a H1 is it? though I am a bit confused.

I know it is expensive to do a masters and I believe my stepdad and Mum will be in FL before I am- not on citizenship- but my stepdad will be working (hes a british/candaian dual) and mum has an F1 as my 14yr old brother will be going to school in Boca. Not sure if any of this makes any difference though I have the opportunity to stay with them.

Any help would be great thanks in advance.

pigletsweet

Hi Guys N Girls,

Currently doing my Degree with hons in Science to become a Psychologist. I am a UK citizen. I would like to do my masters in FL.

Should I pass..how do interniships work or H1Visas? I would like to then work in FL with view to reside. I understand companies can sponsor you. How does the transition work if at all?

I have also posted this on the main site.


Thanks in advance

Michael

If you get your post graduate degree at a US university in certain specialities (not sure if psychology is on the list), you are then eligible for one of the 20,000 H1-B visas if you can find an employer to sponsor you. Generally that is easier to get then the normal 65,000 H1-B visas since those are available to anyone in the world with a bachelors degree in the specialities that can find a sponsor.

Many post graduates start looking for a job during their last semester. In the silicon valley this is very common since many employers understand the process.

Once you get your H1-B visa, the employer can later sponsor you for a green card.

pigletsweet

Thanks for that.

I am not sure Psychology is on the specialist list but I am hoping science as a degree helps. I did check the list though I am aware a lot can change between now and 2012. I have been told by a Dr at my uni that there is a route through internships that takes you on to work. I shall have to have a root around..and do a little more research I think.

Thank you

zargof

You are correct regarding internships. What you need to look at is OPT (Optional Practical Training IIRC) which allows you to work for a year after you graduate. You don't have to do this, and you can go straight to a H1-B visa if a company is willing to sponsor you. You are probably more likely to get OPT than a H1-B, but not there is no guarantee you will get either when you graduate, so taking the F1 route is a risk, and an expensive one at that.

Which brings me to my second point: Cost. How much this will cost is dependant on a lot of different factors including: How long it takes you to graduate, where you go (look at the out of state tuition costs of where you are thinking of applying to), whether you can get a tuition waiver through a GRA/GTA and a few others. But suffice it to say you'll be looking somewhere in the five figure region.

sugababe

Its extremely difficult to get a H1B visa at the moment even if you study in the USA. With a degree in Psychology its even more impossible. Unless you are already a professor from the UK and have years of experience you have a little chance. Most companies sponsor foreigners if they are highly skilled and have rare experience.

I am not trying to put you off, but just reality. My company specialises in this and I'm talking from experience.

If you are interested in getting an internship in the USA I can assist you with this information, just send me a pm and I will send you some links.

meauxna

And I merged them in the Immigration section.

General Note: members here discourage sharing immigration information by private message and email.
Also, the purpose of the forum is to post for everyone's benefit.

thanks!

pigletsweet

Evening (here anyway)

Thank you again for your help people. Its great to have some light shed on a matter Im finding hard to get info on. I really do appreciate it, and the face that it has well mannered.

meauxna

Why does your mother have an F-1 visa? Is she studying? Why did she and your brother not get dependant visas from your step father's work visa? Or did they not remarry?

Why don't you consider an immigration lawyer? Your family's history may or may not complicate your own plans.

AdobePinon

No. You have to be in the right place at the right time, which with a bit of planning is not 'extremely' difficult'. However, it's far from guaranteed.

More importantly - except for certain non-profit or academic positions, you cannot expect to get an H1B anytime of year. OPT offers you a chance to bridge the gap, but running out a whole year of OPT before attempting to switch to H1B will likely be the end of the road. Make sure you understand the H1B program before you start school.

lifehouse51

There are a couple more points you should know just in case you don't already:

1. The H Visas are temporary working visas. They DON'T automatically lead to permanent residency in the U.S. Your employer has to also be willing to sponsor the Employment-Based permanent residency application process. Not all H1-B sponsors will also sponsor a Green card Application, you should inquire with the potential employer before making a decision.

2. H1-B has a Maximum duration of 6 years, unless you have an ongoing employment based permanent residency application, in which case you can extend the H1-B. Otherwise, after 6 years, you need to leave the U.S. for a year before you are eligible for another H1-B.

3. My advice for F-1 students is to apply for OPT even if you're not sure you're gonna use it. It's relatively easy to get and can be useful in bridging any gap between end of school and beginning of H1-B (No Employer sponsor required to apply for OPT vs. Employer sponsorship REQUIRED before H1-B petition). However, you cannot be jobless while on OPT over a certain period of time, so start looking for work BEFORE you graduate.

4. You didn't mention what kind of Psych degree you're going for. If you're aiming for a more academic/research oriented career, you can try seeking a job with a university. Non-profit/academic institutions who sponsor H1-B are not subject to the annual cap that everyone has mentioned. They can file for H1-B anytime during the year and you can start working when everything is completed. There is less planning involved compared to working for a private company/clinic.

ian-mstm

Further to this... an employer can entice you with hopes of a GC but can change his mind at any time... and there's nothing you can do about it. So, if you're going to hire on with someone, be sure to get it in writing that they will sponsor you for a GC.

Ian

pigletsweet

Wow!!

Well I have a lot of things to look at..thanks everyone you have been very helpfull. I do appreciate it.

Just to answer a few Qs..My Stepdad (who techinically is also my uncle-very springer I know) is currently working in Canada..I do not know if he will be looking for a new job in FL or is just transfering. I do know the F1 is through as my Mum is going with my 14yr old brother while he is in school there. They did divorce but are re-marrying.

I have advised my step-dad to get green card sponsored job or transfer as I believe (correct me if I am wrong) that Mum and Lil one can be on his working visa..with a view to switch to green card staus.

They did not want to move to the states, i do. They have since changed their minds..I would much prefer to work under APA than BPS and I may go down the clnical route although I do enjoy neuropsyche. Research is a thought though..thank you for that little bit of info on capping .

As I am now 31 I do not know if it's best that I attempt an OPT or a move over the pond without quoting my family history?? I believe I would have to mention it although they are not moving until July this year and I will be attempting in 2012..hence the research in advance.

I shall check a GC will be written in to any contract..cheers for that one

Thank you again guys n girls. You've been very helpfull.

Noorah101

Where are you currently in school? Aren't you currently in the UK?

What do you mean by "attempt an OPT"? OPT is what comes after your USA studies are finished. You come to the USA on an F1, and then you switch to OPT after school is finished, until you manage to find an H1B employer. You don't just move from the UK to OPT in the USA.

If you are asked on any forms whether you have family in the USA, you must answer truthfully. You have to answer as it is on the day you answer that question. So today, the answer is no, I have no family in the USA. But in 2012, if your family has moved to FL and are living there, then the answer will be yes.

Rene

pigletsweet

I do not know the difference between these things to be fair.

Yes I am in the UK. The Doctors who run my degree say I can take my Masters in the USA and I wondered where to go from this or how to go about it.

People have replied explaining OPT or looking for an employer as I am not sure how it works. I am not trying to out do the system but merely asking how it all works..might I add I appreciate replies when well mannered. Its almost as if you think I am assuming I can simply come over.

Surely the point of a forum is adult discussion. Thank you non the less.