Hello, I would like to know if it is possible to work for a big 4 company on a OPT in the US and then move back to the original country in of of the company's office there ? I assume that because big 4 usually don't hire entry level international students or am I wrong ?

Hi there, 

Yes, it is possible to work for a Big 4 firm in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and then transition to an office in your home country. Here are some key points to consider:

1. OPT Eligibility: As an international student on an F-1 visa, you can work in the U.S. for up to 12 months of OPT after completing your degree. If you're in a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension, giving you a total of 36 months.
2. Entry-Level Hiring: While it’s true that Big 4 firms often have more stringent hiring practices for international students, they do hire entry-level candidates on OPT. Your chances may improve if you have relevant internships or experience, as well as a strong academic record.
3. Internal Mobility: Many Big 4 firms value internal mobility, meaning they often encourage employees to transfer between offices, including international locations. If you perform well and express your interest in moving back to your home country, you may be able to secure a transfer after your initial period on OPT.

Hope this helps!!

BR 
Laura :)

Hello there!

Big 4 firms like EY do hire international entry level students out of bachelor's and advanced degrees. In my experience, I've seen colleagues start their Big 4 role in the US, then move to a different office in Asia and another in the Middle East. These instances could be motivated by the person not getting the H1B lottery or they choose to move themselves, and the firm supports them by transferring them to another office abroad. 

I have also seen the opposite, where someone started their role in Asia and moved to a US office on a L1 visa. 

Hope this help, best of luck! 

Hey there! 

It's definitely possible! Big 4 firms often have global networks, so moving within the company is feasible, though it depends on specific circumstances and the business needs. While it’s true that some Big 4 companies may be hesitant to hire international students for entry-level roles due to visa complexities, there are still instances where they do hire students on OPT, particularly if the candidate has the right skills. One of my friends did it this way - that's why I know about it :)

I'm not sure if this fully answers your question, but I hope it helps! If you have any further specifics in mind, feel free to clarify.

BR Alessa :)

Hi there!

It's definitely possible to work for them on an OPT and then move back, especially if you've got the STEM extension. Most firms are very open to relocating you around the world after you've spent 2 years in the office which hires you.

That said, if you want to stay on in the US, there are options for that as well. The H1-B is the traditional route, but there are other visas and green cards available for people with professional degrees and exceptional ability. I myself immigrated to the US last year on a self-sponsored green card.

The green card route can be a useful option in case you encounter firms that are willing to sponsor an H1-B but not a green card (increasingly common, I believe). And who doesn't want the mobility and freedom given by a green card! It definitely positions you with more leverage in salary and job negotiations, relative to an H1-B candidate.

If you'd like to know more about this, I'm happy to share my experience with you. Having been back and forth on multiple visas, I've seen the good, the bad and the ugly of the US immigration system!