<p>IS it? My parents say we need some sort of company sponsorship and to get that we need to be truly exceptional or else... Is that true? I'm having doubts about paying full price for a private university if that's the case.</p>
<p>It is close to impossible to get a working visa with a Bachelor's degree. Once you get a graduate degree it becomes easier (and a LOT easier when you earn that graduate degree in the States).
You can work in the States for up to one year after graduation using your OPT time but that's it. I don't know how many companies are willing to hire (and provide training for) someone knowing that he will have to leave again in one year, guessing you are not just looking for an average but a top-notch entry-level job.</p>
<p>it depends..... i know of people with a bachelor's degree and working visa.......and not just one of them...many...</p>
<p>I just looked up some numbers:</p>
<p>130,497 H-1B visas were approved for the fiscal year 2004 but only 65,000 for 2008 (USCIS received more than 65,000 applications on the very first day they accepted applications!!!!) which means it is much harder to get a working visa now than just one or two years ago. There are, however, additional visas for people holding graduate degrees.</p>
<p>The main problem is that the number of visas issued (and with it the chance of getting a visa) depends on the current economic situation and that is hard to predict. </p>
<p>Another interesting fact: In 2006, 43000 or more than half the total number of H-1B visas granted were issued to Indians. Most of these visas went to IT professionals (which were in high need back then).</p>
<p>Are Canadian citizens also considered internationals?</p>
<p>EDIT: So the situation is pretty dire for international students hoping to find a job in the States. That's bad.</p>
<p>Canadian citizens enjoy some priviliges but have to apply for normal working visas as well.</p>
<p>To come back to your original question:
Most employers are reluctant to make a job offer to internationals (at the time they make that job offer they don't even know if you will get a visa at all) when there are Americans with similar qualifications who are interested in the job.</p>
<p>To be honest the situation in relative terms is pretty bad , compared to a US citizen/PR international undergraduate opportunites are limited to a handful of companies. The rate also varies dependent on the major you are pursuing , Sciences have it relatively easier as compared to almost anything else.
But, in my own personal experience(I am an international finishing my undergrad in the US and have done internships , received full time offers etc.) even though the options seem limited if you are going to a decent school its not that hard to get a job, the visa complications are tricky but almost all organizations make an effort to ensure a smooth transition.
If you are going to a program which is considered good in your field then you have a reasonable shot at a job , dont be discouraged by the statistics!</p>