Studying Abroad - Leads to Working Abroad?

So, about a week ago I had posted an inquiry/concern of mine. If you would like to check it out, here's the link:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3081039

Now I am facing a new dilemma. After deciding that I will study in Toronto or somewhere in California, I thought about the outcome: since I would be graduating in Aerospace Engineering, where would I work?

Now, as I had mentioned, I already live in Toronto; hence, if I study in UofT, I could eventually get a job in the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), potentially, with no problem. If I were to study in Cali, I could eventually get a job in NASA, again, potentially. BUT, in order to work for NASA, i must be a US citizen. And if I were to go with CSA, I already match the criteria, as I am a CA citizen. A third option now is actually the European Space Agency (ESA), as I would be a citizen of a member state.

So now I have 3 options:
1. Study in UofT, POTENTIALLY work at CSA
2. Study in UofT, POTENTIALLY work at ESA, or
3. Study in California, POTENTIALLY work at NASA.

As I had mentioned in the previous thread, California would be suuuccch a nice place for me to study, and I would really like it :biggrin:

. But do those 4 years studying abroad count towards the citizen years? And what will I do in that 1 year, since US citizenship requires 5 years?

I know its a lot of info :colondollar:

but I would really appreciate if you guys could help me out. And PS: aerospace workplaces in general hire only citizens of the country, for federal reasons. And Cali would be my first choice :smile:

Is it worth worth it risking, POTENTIALLY going into a tricky financial situation? :s-smilie:

Reply 1

tehFrance

17

Why can't you study in CA and work for CSA/ESA? You won't work for Nasa unless you become a US Citizen which, IMO, you don't want to do.

Studying doesn't count towards citizenship in the US, at best you can transfer from temp to perm but you won't be able to apply for Citizenship with those 4 years in the bank, they'll help of course but on their own, nope.

I get the sense you want to study in CA, go to CIT and then aim to work for the CSA or ESA, CIT will get you further than attending CoT, CIT is on par with MIT.

That said, USC is by far the best CA college out there, just a shame it isn't for AE :tongue:

Reply 2

apple32

13

My first thought was why don't you start out in Canada and after you have gained some experience working there you can figure out how to move to the US. It will be easier to figure out then.

another option: Study in Canada and get an internship at NASA.

I also want to suggest that you contact NASA and ask some questions. Do they sponsor visas? What if you graduate at the top of your class? Do they make any exceptions? They will probably say no. You're a stranger. But if you get your foot through the door first as an intern, you might find another answer or learn of another option.

a few other things to think about: 1) there is a program for international university students called Optional Practical Training (OPT) and another called CPT. These programs allow you to work in a degree-related job for one year after you finish your studies. I believe it is offered at many universities. It is possible to find an employer who will sponsor your visa. You just have to look hard. I would even start looking before your study program ends. ( of course this will be easier to do if you attend university in california).

2) the US is one of a few countries that grants citizenship almost immediately, if you join a branch of the armed forces. The only stipulation I know of is you just have to pass your basic training and of course, finish your service. Your citizenship is granted after you pass basic training. You don't have to go into combat if you don't want to. My friend joined the Air Force and worked in administration. She just finished her service not long ago and has returned to civilian status.

Some things are not as set in stone as you might think.

(edited 9 years ago)

Reply 3

sodoge

OP

Original post by apple32

My first thought was why don't you start out in Canada and after you have gained some experience working there you can figure out how to move to the US. It will be easier to figure out then.

another option: Study in Canada and get an internship at NASA.

I also want to suggest that you contact NASA and ask some questions. Do they sponsor visas? What if you graduate at the top of your class? Do they make any exceptions? They will probably say no. You're a stranger. But if you get your foot through the door first as an intern, you might find another answer or learn of another option.

a few other things to think about: 1) there is a program for international university students called Optional Practical Training (OPT) and another called CPT. These programs allow you to work in a degree-related job for one year after you finish your studies. I believe it is offered at many universities. It is possible to find an employer who will sponsor your visa. You just have to look hard. I would even start looking before your study program ends. ( of course this will be easier to do if you attend university in california).

2) the US is one of a few countries that grants citizenship almost immediately, if you join a branch of the armed forces. The only stipulation I know of is you just have to pass your basic training and of course, finish your service. Your citizenship is granted after you pass basic training. You don't have to go into combat if you don't want to. My friend joined the Air Force and worked in administration. She just finished her service not long ago and has returned to civilian status.

Some things are not as set in stone as you might think.

Thank you, the info about the OTP thing is pretty useful :biggrin:

would you happen to know if those 4 years in uni count towards the 5 years needed for us citizenship? Or for any country, for that matter?

Reply 4

apple32

13

Original post by sodoge

Thank you, the info about the OTP thing is pretty useful :biggrin:

would you happen to know if those 4 years in uni count towards the 5 years needed for us citizenship? Or for any country, for that matter?

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services site, those 5 years you would have to be a holder of a green card. If you do not currently possess this card, you would not be able to apply for citizenship using your years as a uni student. Here is the complete list of requirements.

There are exceptions if you fall under one of these categories.

Unless you were to meet your future spouse while studying in the US and that person is an American citizen, your best bet is to find an employer that will grant you a green card. It is possible and has been done.