Photo: Reuters
Los Angeles (People’s Daily) -- For Chinese college students to graduate in May, landing a job in the US recently became harder.
Language barriers and lack of experience are cited as the key reasons preventing employers from hiring foreign college graduates. And to make matters more difficult, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) maintains a tight limit on the number of visas granted while strictly enforcing guidelines US employers must follow should they choose to hire a foreign graduate. Young and aspiring Chinese graduates are beginning express concerns while considering options elsewhere.
A survey from the Institute of International Education (IIE) found that Chinese college seniors are concerned over the availability of jobs and work visas once they graduate.
“Because of the current H1B regulations, international students are now forced to choose between post-graduate school or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is similar to an internship. The fact that the number of H1B visas has dropped significantly is a result of this situation,” said Allen Tsai, an attorney based in Irvine, California.
Zoe Wei graduated from college in China where she earned a degree in finance. She came to the US when a host family offered her a job as their domestic assistant. She later studied accounting and was able to obtain F-1 visa status.
According to Wei, the amount of time a person can stay in the US is determined on what they study. But companies are reluctant to hire them anyway because they can only work for one year. Once the OPT ends, finding a company willing to provide a work visa is almost impossible.
“After President Trump took office, landing a job became harder for the country’s international students,” she said.
US Department of State data revealed that China and India received a combined 82 percent of all H-1B visas issued in 2016. Indian applicants have received the greater portion over the years, up 68 percent from 185,000 total visas issued. The majority the visas have gone to those in IT. As the Trump administration considers scaling back the number of H1B visas issued, India and China are placed at greater risk.
Tsai explained that international students will also encounter greater sponsorship obstacles. They will to use other methods to work in the US. He also suspects USCIS will apply greater scrutiny when reviewing H1B applications.
But the potential adversity that could arise from an increase in tightened visa regulations has not deterred everyone.
A Los Angeles-based PhD candidate in computer science surnamed Pan, who requested anonymity, said, “The visa regulations do not bother me because I will get my doctorate. After I graduate, I’ll be able to get a green card. I have many classmates who support Trump’s visa regulations. Besides, it’s disproportionate when you factor in the amount of Indian applicants verses other countries, so it’s time to put the brakes on this.”
Derrick Gao was a teenager when he moved to the US with his family. He believes Chinese students excel in mathematical areas and it is advantage worth noting.
“Working in the US is no longer the best option for Chinese graduates. But it really depends on your degree. China has developed at such a rapid pace over the years the job market there is much more dynamic and job opportunities continue to grow. Everyone should have a long-term vision,” Gao said.