Lokesh
Senior Member
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2008
- Messages
- 456
- Reaction score
- 240
Hey everyone,
I was hoping someone on here would be able to help me answer a few questions I have regarding my career and Visa etc.
I just graduated with a masters in Animation and Visual Effects in December (there's mistake number 1 apparently, being in this field). I am an international student and am on an OPT right now (optional practical training, kind of like a temporary work permit for a recent graduate) which kicked in in end of February this year and expires towards the end of Feb next year. Once that ends, I'm hoping to stay on and continue working here.
So here is my situation - I am looking to start work as a rotoscope/paint artist or if I'm lucky, a junior compositor. I have a pretty solid demo reel and resume for a person fresh out of school. I've had the good luck to work on some features and high quality projects during my time in school so my reel/resume looks good. I've had a couple of freelance contracts ever since my OPT began, but nothing long term. I had an interview with a studio in NY almost two weeks ago and the interview went great. But they seem to be dragging their feet with getting back to me. But that aside, even if I do get the gig, it will only last until maybe end Aug/Sept. So this poses a problem for me in the long run because apparently to stay on and work here, I need an H1. To get an H1, from what I understand, I need a company to sponsor me. So if all my work seems to be short term contracts and that is the best I can do for now, how can I get this H1? Am I SOL?
Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations on what a person in my position could do to stay on?
I do have a lot of other questions too, but I'll keep them for another post. I would speak to an immigration lawyer or something but I honestly don't have the funds.
Any advice/help would be VERY much appreciated.
Thank you everyone.
I was hoping someone on here would be able to help me answer a few questions I have regarding my career and Visa etc.
I just graduated with a masters in Animation and Visual Effects in December (there's mistake number 1 apparently, being in this field). I am an international student and am on an OPT right now (optional practical training, kind of like a temporary work permit for a recent graduate) which kicked in in end of February this year and expires towards the end of Feb next year. Once that ends, I'm hoping to stay on and continue working here.
So here is my situation - I am looking to start work as a rotoscope/paint artist or if I'm lucky, a junior compositor. I have a pretty solid demo reel and resume for a person fresh out of school. I've had the good luck to work on some features and high quality projects during my time in school so my reel/resume looks good. I've had a couple of freelance contracts ever since my OPT began, but nothing long term. I had an interview with a studio in NY almost two weeks ago and the interview went great. But they seem to be dragging their feet with getting back to me. But that aside, even if I do get the gig, it will only last until maybe end Aug/Sept. So this poses a problem for me in the long run because apparently to stay on and work here, I need an H1. To get an H1, from what I understand, I need a company to sponsor me. So if all my work seems to be short term contracts and that is the best I can do for now, how can I get this H1? Am I SOL?
Does anyone have any ideas or recommendations on what a person in my position could do to stay on?
I do have a lot of other questions too, but I'll keep them for another post. I would speak to an immigration lawyer or something but I honestly don't have the funds.
Any advice/help would be VERY much appreciated.
Thank you everyone.