I got offer for SDE-1 from Amazon in India, and might be able to move to US on L1 visa after 2-3 years I guess.
I was preparing to come to US right now for Masters, and I have 2 years of experience as well in India. Now, I have a dilemma.
1. I feel, after doing MS of 2 years, I will again have to restart my career from an entry level position in some US company similar to Amazon (if I get lucky
), but upside is, I will have a MS degree, I will have number of opportunities and options after completing my MS.
2. Whereas if I stick to Amazon, I believe I will be able to shift to US as SDE-2 (better than Masters grad who joins as an entry level engineer), but I will be on L1 means no flexibility to change companies and difficult to get picked up in H1 lottery too, due to no MS. Also, I will miss out on higher education, but not sure if it's important for long term growth, and all the new opportunities and options that comes along to appear in different companies. I also fear Amazon might stop giving international transfers soon to SDE2 since lots of people are moving, but don't know.
I also thought of a mid way of going for part time MS when I am in US through Amazon, if MS is needed.
I am super confused, what would you suggest, option 1 or 2? Also, people who transfer to US via Amazon, are they able to get H1b or it becomes very difficult to get it without MS (since 20,000 spots eliminated?
comments
I'd first decide if I want to live in the US (you obviously know Indians don't get green card for 20 years, every 2 years you have some irritation around renewal, will be asked to leave in a short period if you lose your job in those 20 years, wife will not be able to work for a few years etc). If you DO want to work in the US despite all this, then take the most direct path - MS in a good univ.
Doing MS hardly gives any advantage other than slight advantage in the H1b lottery. Don't do a degree for the sake of that.
In our sector, what you learn on the job is more important.
Also keep in mind that grass looks greener on the other side.
If you really wanna study do MS. Doing MS for reaching US will only rack up loans and delay your repayment capacity.
Also hate rate against immigrants would only increase (atleast with current administration) So be ready to leave US immediately after your MS after 2 years if Trump is back.