[Pfloyd]

Do they even hire international students in US?

[Puppykoala]

I know that E and D “sponsor” H1B visa, but in practice its so rare. You might have a shot if you are under STEM, otherwise big 4 will be nearly impossible. Sorry

[meriden203]

I got an offer from E (H1B sponsor) when I was at school for my master degree. All the Big 4 sponsor Visas for international students. The key is to attend the school that the Big 4 heavily recruit from and maintain high GPA.

[Warrior]

KPMG does not offer as of nnow. It might be a trend so the rest might stop as well, not sure about them

[Puppykoala]

E and H1B are not the same. H1B is under lottery system and will face disapproval even if selected. Firms are less likely to sponsor H1B and take the risk of money spent but end up losing the person. E is a given visa attached to H1B as spouse. I don't mean to discourage our international candidates, but it's extremely hard.

[Pfloyd]

what's E and D ?

[Pfloyd]

Are you still working?

[Puppykoala]

EY and Deloitte

[jd]

Yes it's very possible. I got hired at EY with a bachelors in business and a masters in accounting, so no STEM. I spoke with all Big 4, KPMG and PWC told me they don't sponsor anymore, EY and Deloitte both do. It can depend on the area you are in, and what the firms market share is like for that area. It is tough getting companies to sponsor, best advice is to be honest up front so you not wasting their time and yours. Also keep an eye out for small firms, some of them are open to sponsoring. Try passing some CPA exams while doing your masters, that might mean paying for a course, but it really does give you an advantage when you going through the recruiting process.

[AGI]

Agree with JD. Don't missed out on the small ones. I have met firms who write upfront they do not sponsor, but on the interview table they told me they are willing to sponsor the right candidate. Obviously, you will need something that will interested them. For Big 4, your schools and your teacher will play 80% of the game. A target school will increase your chances. I've also found that if your professor is a Big 4 partners, with a little helping hand, you can differently secure at least an interview with them. (Personal experience). BUT WHY THE BIG 4? I mean, there are other great accounting opportunities outside of Big 4. I must also said that the Big 4 only works in US and certain counties. In my home country, Big 4 means nothing.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[yfz]

@ Pfloyd I'm on the same boat. Passed all 4 CPA exams and just need the work experience, but heard it's very hard for the work visa sponsorship now.


@Jd @JFKGY, any suggestions for job-seeking? I'm from one of the satellite schools of Penn State, not the main campus. I plan to drive to our main campus for the job fair, and only 2 of the Big 4 will be there.

[AGI]

@Yfz Not sure if I could provide all the details on a job-seeking plan, specially if you are clearly seeking for sponsorship. (Is this allow by the forum rules?) Don't want to get into trouble. Perhaps you can e-mail me and we can talk.

In addition, could you be more general? Are you a master's student? If you are not currently active in school, job fair doesn't apply to you. (Clearly, you must have graduated from undergraduate to take the CPA exam.)

Also, let me go off-topic a bit, are we only considering the Big 4? Or in general, the “Wall Street” business? You need to know 1) what you wanted? 2) your chance, and 3) how far you willing to cut-back. This has nothing to do with being international. I am fully aware that 99% of all college professors will tell people to go to the Big 4. Extremely high completion. I once truly believe in it and then found out that the Big 4 might not be my style on my interview day.

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[jd]

@Yfz, you seem to be on the right path. Meeting the firms at career fairs in my opinion is the best way to network. You could definitely make a good impression on the 2 out of the 4, so it is a start. Do some research on the firms and ask good questions. Another idea could be to email the recruiters of the other 2 firms that won't be at that career fair. Since you passed all the exams, and I am assuming you have a good GPA, hopefully one of the recruiters will be open to networking with you and organizing an interview.

[AGI]

Don't forget other than your own schools fair there will also be public job fairs they might be hosting, or the city is hosting (plenty in NYC and Boston).

Don't forget the general business job fair or any other major job fair you might be interested (like working as an accountant in a tech firm maybe?) Always check every firm if they gave an accounting (or anything that might qualified, like analyst position) and don't be afraid to walk in and ask.

I've attended almost every major job fair, certain industry link gvnt and N4P will host their own general job fair. I've even been to the restaurant week!

Lastly, if you are extremely desperate, it's a normal practice in NYC to borrow another student's ID and just walk into another school's job fair. You may not apply for the school reserved position, but it's good exp to observe, practice communication and make friends.

(Make friends is the key. Got my free CPA review book and test bank from friends for free…)

New York - NYC
Passed CPA Exam (11/2014)
In search for a position in NYC that will fulfills the license requirement.

[Author]

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