<p>I'm from Canada, and before I decide on an American school or Canadian school for MT I was wondering:</p>
<p>How difficult is it to get a work visa in the US? (I'm assuming I'll need one if I want to work/perform in the states after getting the BFA.) Is it a tedious process where I'd have to renew it every few years?</p>
<p>And, when it comes to networking, which city has a bigger theatre/music scene: Pittsburgh, or Boston?</p>
<p>Thanks for any input or advice!</p>
<p>Yes, you would require a visa and yes, it is a tedious/difficult/expensive process.</p>
<p>Probably Boston because of the location- It is more centrally located near a variety of theater opportunities. Pittsburgh has good theater but is a little more isolated.</p>
<p>As an international student, you are allowed to work off-campus starting in your second year of studies as long maintain full-time student status and you can prove that the work is being done to fund your education. If you can get equity work (either while in school or during the summer), I believe it can increase your chances of getting a 0-1 Visa upon graduation.</p>
<p>As an international student here’s my advice: USE YOUR SUMMERS. And make sure you have enough to support yourself if you need to, or parents who can help out. Because your work HAS to be in the field you study (theatre), so it’s not as easy to change jobs. The OPT year you get after your BFA is great, you can work for anyone. It’s once you get on the O-1 gets trickier. The whole process is very complicated. Only you can know if it’s worth it for you to be here. It will be VERY expensive though. Prepare yourself for that. And at times you’ll probably feel helpless and like it’s unfair. But if it’s worth it to you, go for it.</p>
<p>Also, yes, the O-1 is not easy, cheap or guaranteed to get. So try to build up strong credits, references, and experiences throughout your 4 years in preparation.</p>