Any strategy for applying to MBA programs abroad would be incomplete without preparing for immigration and visa requirements in the country of study.
While every country has its own rules and regulations, there are some commonalities. Among them is the right of international students to study for advanced degrees, including MBAs, through student visa applications. Most countries would also grant recent graduates the right to work within their borders after completing their studies, at least temporarily. Beyond that, individuals should closely examine visa requirements in their country of study based on their personal characteristics.
The following is a summary of the main attributes of the different US visas. MBA applicants are encouraged to go beyond the headlines and read the fine print of visa paths, as well as research visa policies of other countries.
Sources: USCI | VisaGuide | Poets&Quants | Department of Homeland Security | VisaNation
| Document Type | Targeted Population | Maximum Length | Main Conditions | Application Processing Time | Spouse & Children Residence | Spouse Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| F-1 Visa | Students | Duration of Studies | Enrollment in a full-time academic program in an approved school | Proficiency in English or enrollment in courses leading to English proficiency | Sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study | Maintaining a residence abroad | Immediately after the Interview | Available through F-2 and M-2 Visas | N/A |
| J-1 Visa | Students | Duration of Studies | Studies are funded primarily (+51%) through a third party, e.g. institution or company | Have adequate financial support for all school and living expenses | Eight to 13 Weeks | Available | Available |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Students | 12 Months | Completion of one year of full-time academic studies | Securing a training/internship position during studies | Five Days | N/A | N/A |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Students and Recent Graduates | 12 Months | Completion of at least one year of full-time academic studies | 90-120 Days | N/A | N/A |
| OPT STEM | Students and Recent Graduates - STEM | 24 Months | Having been granted an OPT | Having obtained a STEM degree from a US Institution | 90-120 Days | N/A | N/A |
| H-1B Visa | Employees in Specialty Occupations | Six Years | Occupation requiring bachelor’s degree or higher and specialized knowledge | Employer sponsorship | Filing petition and winning a lottery | Three to Six Months | Available through H-4 Visa | Available through H-4 Visa |
| E-2 Visa | Investors, Founders, Executives and Employees of Special Qualifications | Indefinitely | Be nationals of a country with which the US maintains a treaty | For investors: Investing a substantial amount of capital and having at least 50% ownership of the enterprise | For founders, executives and employees of special qualifications: work for an enterprise at least 50% owned by same treaty nationals | Four to Six Weeks | Available | Available through Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| O-1A Visa | Individuals with Extraordinary Ability in Business | Indefinitely | A level of expertise indicating that you are one of the small percentage who have arisen to the very top of the field | Two to Three Months | Available | N/A |
| L-1 Visa | Employees Relocated to the US | Seven Years | Employer sponsorship | Relocating to the US from a position located outside of it with the same employer | Working in managerial/executive positions, or in positions requiring specialized knowledge | Three to Four Months | Available | Available through Employment Authorization Document (EAD) |
| EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program | Investors in US Enterprises | Indefinitely (Greed Card) | Investing either $800K or $1.8M in a US enterprise, depending on its location | Creating or preserving 10 permanent full-time jobs for US workers | Six months | Available | Available |
| Green Card | Multiple Groups | Indefinitely | Being an immigrant worker of certain conditions | One to 10 Years | Available | Available |
