I was researching UK->US transfers while in FAANG and it seems like they sponsor L6+ positions and/or SDE roles (so not Data Engineering/Science etc unless you have PHD) and/or people with 10+ years experience. I have a BSc and 5 years experience but need to leave my FAANG soon (I am L5) and transferring to an SDE role is not possible from my current role. I will complete a UK Masters in Comp Sci by May/June 2020 (though can be extended to April 2021 if I choose) so am exploring options. My ideal role is a Software Engineer/Data Engineer role - not a Database or BI etc Engineer (which dont seem to get sponsored anyway) so I am upskilling through paid side projects and my degree. Is the best strategy to use the time to complete the Masters and prepare for SDE positions (leetcode etc) to then be able to move to the US once inside FAANG EU? If I complete my Masters does my experience even matter because I wouod be eligible for the E-VISA? But I seem to be eligible now also because I have 5 years experience. Post-Masters could I then look at entry SDE roles in the US and move directly? Will it reflect poorly to have left FAANG to finish my Masters and took up side jobs to keep knowledge fresh only to then return? Side Note: I have some US contracts and one guy offered to move me over if I wanted. It is a small startup in LA hence I am not 100% sure this is smart? There is also a NY based Hedge Fund who likes my profile and wants to discuss moving with me hence I want to be informed.
If you have an undergrad from a European school a European masters probably won’t help your visa much. Transferring on an L1 is the simplest option but you need to work outside of the US for that company for a year first. So your current role would be best. If you find a fresh company willing to sponsor you’re in the H1B lottery, which leaves a lot to chance. If you are willing to study do a US masters and get an OPT after. Also no doubt about the higher category (European masters will need a certificate of equivalency, which again might not go your way)
A US Masters is better than an Oxbridge Masters for a VISA? I can’t stay at my current company. I have been looking for roles that do sponsor internationally for 1+ year here and they basically don’t exist in my field. There is a Masters at Georgia Tech I can afford. That would be okay? I can do that and prepare for SDE positions and I’m good? Isn’t 2 Masters too much?
https://www.uscis.gov/opt If you get an F1 to come study a STEM masters you can have up to 3 years after on OPT. Often students find a company willing to sponsor a H1B in this time. It also gives you enough time to apply for the lottery a couple of times.