I can recount countless stories of women I’ve spoken with whose careers have been sabotaged by the unforgiving US immigration system.
- 100s of rejects simply because of visa requirement
- Lost work opportunities on dependent H4 visa
- Work authorization delays for EAD renewals
- Limited promotion opportunities on I140 approvals
- Inability to start a business to multiply their income
- Staying put in a toxic environment for fear of job loss
- Breakdown in self-confidence
- Lost opportunities for growth
- Thousands of $$$ left on the table
From countless rejections for internship on F1 visa, to being told no at McKinsey and Apple only due to my L1 status, to selling our house and leaving the US for good due to lost jobs, to delaying starting my business, I have seen it all.
But despite the punishing nature of the US immigration system, three things helped me keep my career in focus, while also designing a life of my choosing:
1. Not fearing a layoff before it happened
2. Self-petitioning my EB1A even on a Masters
3. Creating a plan B (Canadian Immigration)
If your career has been held back by immigration woes, I hear you. But it’s time to stop regretting the lost time and take back control of your career.
