Back to overview

Job Security at MBB After Signing Offer – Risk of Rescinded/Delayed Start Dates Due to U.S. new H-1B policy?

I signed an offer with McKinsey (entry level BA) last week for the U.S. for a start date after my graduation in May 2026. I’m currently on F-1 visa with OPT + STEM extension. Given the recent immigration visa regulation changes and addition of $100k fee for H-1B petitions, I’m wondering if there is any risk of McKinsey rescinding or delaying start dates for incoming hires.


If anyone can share some insights on McKinsey’s track record with rescinding offers, delaying start dates, or dealing with these extraneous situations related to visa sponsorship, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

6
800+
10
Be the first to answer!
Nobody has responded to this question yet.
Top answer
Profile picture of Jenny
Jenny
Coach
on Sep 24, 2025
Buy 1 get 1 free for 1st time clients | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Go from good to great

Hi there,

Congrats on your offer! 

McKinsey has a very strong track record of honoring offers and rescinding is extremely rare, even during tough times like COVID. For visa-related situations, the firm has dedicated teams that handle sponsorship and immigration logistics, and they’re used to navigating changing regulations.

That said, no one can predict how new rules (like the H-1B fee changes) will play out. The steep 100k fee is unprecedented so it is natural to be concerned. My advice is to keep in touch with recruiting and raise this concern of yours and see their reaction. They will be ethe first to update you regarding the firm's take on the policy shifts. You should be prepared for the question of whether you're willing to relocate, if it ever comes to that.

Good luck!

Anonymous A
on Sep 24, 2025
Thank you Jenny! If you could elaborate, what was the situation like during COVID, and how did McKinsey handle it?
Profile picture of Jenny
Jenny
Coach
on Sep 24, 2025
Buy 1 get 1 free for 1st time clients | Ex-McKinsey Manager & Interviewer | +7 yrs Coaching | Go from good to great
Hi there,

McKinsey was very accommodating regarding start times and adapted to allow those with offers to continue to be onboarded, although virtually.
Profile picture of Cristian
on Sep 24, 2025
Most awarded coach | Ex-McKinsey | Verifiable 88% offer rate (annual report) | First-principles cases + PEI storylining

Thanks for sharing your situation. 

I haven't yet heard of situations of McKinsey rescinding offers because of visa related issues. They make a big effort to support international applications in getting the help they need. 

However, the current changes are big and 100k is a significant price tag. So, honestly, it's unclear what might happen. 

What I would do if I were you is to check in directly with McKinsey and ask whether these recent changes are likely to affect your offer. See what they say, and if you sense any hesitation, it might be wise then to already develop a plan B. 

Sorry - I know this is all probably very frustrating, especially after all the work you've put in. 

Best,
Cristian

Anonymous A
on Sep 24, 2025
Thank you Cristian! I will definitely reach out to the team.
Profile picture of Lukas
Lukas
Coach
on Sep 24, 2025
~10yrs in consulting | ex-BCG Project Leader | Personalized prep & coaching | INSEAD MBA


Hi,

first of good to be you, having a McK offer!

On your question: historically, McK has a very strong track record of honoring offers, even in difficult times like COVID. 

That said, the new $100k H-1B fee is unprecedented, so it’s fair to expect firms to re-evaluate how they handle sponsorships. While rescinded offers remain extremely rare, it’s smart to stay in close touch with recruiting and ask explicitly how they’re approaching the new rules.

That said with how things go in the USA, things might change before we know it.

Bottom line: I wouldn’t worry too much, but stay proactive and informed.

Best,
Lukas

Anonymous A
on Sep 24, 2025
Thanks Lukas! What was the situation in COVID, and what were the options McKinsey offered if you have some insight?
Profile picture of Evelina
Evelina
Coach
edited on Sep 24, 2025
Lead coach for Revolut Problem Solving and Bar Raiser l EY-Parthenon l BCG

Hi there,

McKinsey (and MBB in general) very rarely rescind offers – even in tough times, they typically honor them and at worst, delay start dates with stipends.

On visas: you’ll almost certainly be able to start on OPT after graduation. H-1B rules have become more expensive and uncertain, but McKinsey has a lot of experience navigating this. If H-1B doesn’t work right away, they usually find alternatives – e.g. keep you on OPT longer, try again in later cycles, or temporarily place you in another office (Canada/EU) with the option to transfer back.

So the real risk isn’t losing your offer, it’s potentially a delayed or international start. 

Best,

Evelina

Anonymous A
on Sep 24, 2025
Thank you Evelina!
Profile picture of Pedro
Pedro
Coach
on Sep 24, 2025
BAIN | EY-Parthenon | Former Principal | FIT & PEI Expert | 30% Discount until 13th Feb

Your Visa allows you to work right now, so no reason to delay.

The issue will be when you move to H1B. If something goes wrong, Mckinsey will not rescind - but they may have to ask you to move to a different country. Please understand that since at that point they would be no longer legally allowed to employ you. They could fire you, but they always give the option to relocate to another office.

Anonymous A
on Sep 24, 2025
Thanks Pedro!
Profile picture of Alessa
Alessa
Coach
on Sep 24, 2025
Ex-McKinsey Consultant & Interviewer | PEI | MBB Prep | Ex-BCG

Hey there :)

McKinsey rarely rescinds offers once signed, even with visa changes. Delays can happen if there are visa processing issues, but they usually work with you to adjust the start date rather than cancel the offer. Just keep open communication with your recruiter and HR, they’re used to handling these situations.

best, Alessa :)

Anonymous A
on Sep 24, 2025
Thank you Alessa! Really appreciate the insight :)