Visa status is the new filter in hiring

Hi {{ first_name }},

Recently, someone I know lost a Senior Engineer offer at Meta.

Not because of skills.

Not because of performance.

Because the visa didn’t go through.

And it’s happening more often than we think.

In the past few months, I’ve spoken to:

• A Data Scientist rejected after the offer due to H-1B visa issues
• A PM who cleared final rounds but heard, “We can’t sponsor right now.”
• An AI engineer leaving the U.S. after 5 years saying, “I did everything right.”

It’s tough. Talented people with real offers are still losing out.

If you’re on a visa, “apply and hope” isn’t a strategy.

You need to plan around your timeline.

1. Know your window

If you’re on Optional Practical Training (OPT), when does it end?

2. Target sponsor-friendly companies

Use tools like H1BGrader to verify.

3. Network intentionally

Connect with managers who’ve sponsored before.

4. Position yourself strongly

When sponsorship is involved, standing out matters even more.

Visa rules shouldn’t define your worth.

But they do shape the strategy.

So don’t just hope for a chance.

Build your way in.

And if you want practical guidance for your job search, join us at The Super Event: Job Search Edition in Seattle. We’ll cover job market insights, resume and LinkedIn tips, networking strategies, and a live Q&A with industry experts. If you’re not in Seattle and want us to bring this event to your city, reply with your city name and we’ll plan it!