When it comes to fields other than finance and consulting, the issue of H-1B sponsorship becomes even more salient. Students say that companies in the public sector and non-governmental organizations generally tend to be even less willing to invest money in sponsoring H-1B visa.

According to Aydede, many students with interests other than finance or consulting “don’t even apply” to jobs in the U.S. in their fields of interest.

“My impression is, if you are international, and you don’t want to go into finance or consulting, you are in trouble,” Aydede says.

BRIDGING THE GAP

L. Daphne Durham, a Harvard International Office advisor, suggests that students take advantage of Optional Practical Training when searching for post-graduation employment and H-1B sponsorship. Durham points out that students do not need to have a job offer in order to apply for the OPT, which can help them transition into the workforce after graduation.

“[OPT] gives students the chance to try out careers, and also companies the time to apply for H-1B,” Durham says. “It will help you feel more confident about yourself, because you can sell [OPT] to the company.”

Yet the Harvard International Office can only provide limited support when it comes to company sponsorship of the H-1B visa itself.

“We do sponsor outside attorneys who can provide information and give presentation on H-1B and green cards,” says Sharon Ladd, director of HIO, “But there’s not too much we can do because H-1B and green cards are all employer based.”

Students have to take a lot of initiative when it comes to securing a visa, says Robin Mount, director of the Office of Career Services.

“It is important to educate yourself about what options there are, to do research about the companies, to talk to them, and to know in what countries they have offices,” Mount says. “These things are difficult ... this is a tough economic time. Not every opportunity is open to everyone.”

EDUCATING STUDENTS

Some international students say it would be helpful if the College provided more information about the difficulties of securing visa sponsorship.

“The HIO tries as much as possible to provide as much information for international students, but they don’t have enough talks,” Rumbidzai C. Mushavi ’12 says.

“They need to start talking about the issues that international students might run into a lot earlier than they choose to do right now,” she says. “You need to know what options are available to you.”

Mushavi suggests January term as a good time to host visa or OPT workshops, as a number of international students stay on campus during winter break.