h1b Forum

[Anonymous User]

That makes sense and agree in what you said about PERM and the referral. Here is a follow-up question tho: should I apply for any 3L opportunities at US firms for their London offices? (saw there are at least a couple of them) .... the two issues, however, are (i) I already accepted an offer with my law firm; (ii) what about the likelihood that the firm I am applying at will reach out to my firm and check if I actually have an offer?

Should I follow a more conservative approach and wait until next h-1b cycle before looking around in London? Thx!

[Anonymous User]

Hi all -

I know the post is a few years old, but wanted to share my recent experience and see if anyone can relate and/or share any words of advice. I got a biglaw full-time offer, and unfortunately it is the only amlaw 100 that doesn’t have overseas offices so L-1, London/Canada is not an option apparently. I am a 3L and the firm just applied fo the FY 2022 h-1b cycle and of course I didn’t get picked. I assume at this point I will use my OPT and re-try for h-1b next year. The question is: what’s gonna happen if I don’t get h-1b next year? Any alternative options to h-1? Can the firm apply for green card directly, or better - is that a conversation I can have with the firm at some point? Could the firm submit a referral on my behalf with a firm they have a relationship with and that is based in London eventually?

I am seriously demotivated and exhausted. I gave up everything to stay in the US, be in the top of my class and secure a biglaw spot. And the fun part of the matter is that during OCI I interviewed for a SA position with a US law firm in London and didn’t get the callback .... if things go south, I will have to drop law and do something else I guess

Ah sorry, this really sucks. You can have this conversation with the firm, but chances are if you don't get the H1B, there's not much the firm can do if they don't have an overseas office. Even firms with overseas office have fired first year associates due to visa status (when there is not enough business need in foreign offices). Since you are still in 3L year, I might try to re-recruit for more international friendly firms right now - magic circles are generally good with relocating; don't assume firms will transfer just bc they have overseas office, have candid conversation with the firm after you got an offer from them and ask about relocation possibilities.

Still, have the visa conversation with your current firm can be good. Your current firm might entered you into the lottery as a bachelor's degree, since you are still a 3L; being entered into next year means that you get the boost of advanced degree. Depend on whether you are willing to take the risk and stay with the firm.

I feel you pal, best of luck!

[NoLongerALurker]

That makes sense and agree in what you said about PERM and the referral. Here is a follow-up question tho: should I apply for any 3L opportunities at US firms for their London offices? (saw there are at least a couple of them) .... the two issues, however, are (i) I already accepted an offer with my law firm; (ii) what about the likelihood that the firm I am applying at will reach out to my firm and check if I actually have an offer?

Should I follow a more conservative approach and wait until next h-1b cycle before looking around in London? Thx!

I would be applying to basically every firm I could that has a London office or is just generally more international friendly, personally. I don’t think the other two points you mention are nearly as big a concern as the “what do I do if I can’t get an H1B and my firm won’t play ball”, in terms of balancing risks.

[BEng,MBA,FRM,JD(?)]

I had the conversation with the firms I got offers from and chose the one which had the best H1b policy. I don't see the downside of having the conversation asap since you have the offer.
Happy to share my experiences and other insights from my research if you DM me. Good luck!

[Anonymous User]

Thx BEng! Trying to figure out how to PM you, but it seems that I can’t ... my PM stays in the “outbox” folder ... any other ways to reach you?