Need advice on career path
Hello Blind, I graduated in December 2018 with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science. I got into Cisco as a new grad straight out of college and was told that my H1b Visa would be applied for. I am currently on an F1 OPT visa with potential to extend (STEM extension) for two additional years. Due to company policy however, the company is unable to apply for an H1b for my grade level. At this point, I was given two options: 1.Work really hard to get promoted before the next h1b cycle. (Not guaranteed) 2.Pursue a masters degree - Issue with this is that STEM extension is only granted once. I’ve already lost 1 attempt at the H1b and will probably miss it the second time as well. I will only get 1 year of OPT after doing a masters degree, so chances of getting selected in the lottery will be very slim 3.Find a new job where the company is willing to file my H1b with my current education level - I have several friends that are in a similar situation (New grad, OPT) and have had their companies file an H1b for them I would appreciate any advice/help regarding this. Thank you!
This is way late, but can't you get a STEM extension once per degree level for a max of two times? So can't you get it a second time with a master's degree?
Talk to HR and first figure which level is the cutoff to apply for H1B. Then talk to manager about creating a route map for you get promoted to that level, try asking for feedback and what he estimates as the probable year for the promotion based on your performance. See how promising he feels about the promotion. If he's not very assuring, start applying to jump before the next filing season.
Thank you! As of now my manager does not seem very convincing, they mention that there’s not enough budget to accommodate for a promotion. So I guess I’m on the market!