visa for internationals in US (NY) (how much, school, to live)

[confusedinternational]

Hi

I'm an international student currently studying in London for a Masters. I am debating whether to go to NY to do my Masters next year so that I can get a job after graduation in NY. Alternatively I can just work here in London after graduation but I want to experience life in the states which will be hard for me to get a job due to work permit issues. So I am wondering how hard it is to get a work permit if you study in the states (only masters, not undegrad). i think there is a way to get a green card by working for two years after graduation in the private sector and then applying for one..anyone know if this is true? I would be paying full tuition for the grad degree which will be only one year because the other year I am in london..Thus I will be graduating with two masters degrees in two years but its still a lot of money to live and study in NY for a year on your own... I hope this isnt too confusing. hehe Anyways so what do you think, is it worth the pay so I can secure my work life in the US or does MA in the states not really help that much in terms of getting a work permit for internationals???

Thanks very much for your help.

[Viralmd]

Getting a student visa is usually not a problem. Getting a green card is. A student visa usually is not one that allows off-campus employment. Getting a green card for a citizen of the UK is a long process, unless you posess unique (and by that it's not meant just higher education, but TRULY unique) skills.

[KB4]

I don't know how much this is going to help but about 11 years ago when I was in grad school I knew many international students who stayed in the US after getting their masters and getting the work permit did not seem to be a problem for them. However, things might be totally different today.

By the way, while you are studying, you might be able to work on campus to help with the costs. Check with the school.

[Viralmd]

A visa would only be possible for working after completion of studies if a company is willing to be the sponsor. The only alternative is the traditional green card route.