Sponsorship?! I Don’t Need No Stinkin’ Sponsorship! How International Students Should Respond To That Visa Question

by Freddy Tran Nager, Founder of Atomic Tango + Big Supporter of International Students…

If you are an international student in the United States, you’ve probably been asked by potential employers whether you will need visa sponsorship.

It’s a trap.

If you answer “yes,” most companies will automatically reject you.

Below is a direct quote from the HR department of a large company explaining to their marketing executive why his highly recommended applicant didn’t even get an interview:

…looks like she was rejected for indicating that she will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment. If she answered this question incorrectly and will not require sponsorship for employment, then she can re-apply ensuring she marks “no” for this question.

Most companies don’t want to sponsor. It costs time and money, and since the visa system is a lottery, it might end up going nowhere. Why go to all that trouble and risk, when they can just hire an American?

So, if you’re an international student and really want to work in the U.S., I have four tips for you:

Tip 1: Look for companies that clearly sponsor.

They will state so in job listings or on their websites, or you can ask former international students who work there.

Tip 2: Apply for jobs that don’t receive enough American applicants.

These include gigs that require data analytics skills or fluency in another language (your multilingual skills are a competitive advantage).

Tip 3: When asked about sponsorship needs, say “no.”

Wait, isn’t that lying? Perhaps… if you decide that you love that company near the end of your OPT period, you will likely seek sponsorship from them.

But given the prevalence of job hopping in the United States  —  a necessity if you wish to move up quickly  —  you will likely be working for another company by then. So, the truth is, you probably won’t need the first company’s sponsorship.

Tip 4: After You Start The Job, Prove Yourself Invaluable

I have known companies that say they don’t sponsor, but then they fall in love with an employee, and will do everything they can to get her a visa.

(On the dark side, I’ve also known companies that say they will sponsor, then wind up laying off that employee before the OPT period is over. How convenient for them.)

I know, it’s all a ridiculous game shaped by irrational immigration laws. But since it is a game, you just have to play it.