Studying in Mexico and Working in the US

If I choose to study in Mexico, is it possible for me to work in the US? How does the process work in terms of visas or permits?

Studying in Mexico does not preclude you from working in the U.S. However, you will still need to navigate visa or immigration requirements to obtain the necessary permissions for residing and working in the United States.

One of the most commonly utilized visas for foreign employees is an H1-B visa, which is a temporary work permit for individuals in certain occupations, often those that require specialized skills. A key requirement for this visa is that the applicant must have at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a specific field related to your job.

Another possible way is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs. These programs allow international students who have been studying in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa to work in the country for up to 12 months in a job related to their major field of study. If you're studying a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension. However, this would require you to be studying in the U.S., so if you study in Mexico, this may not apply to you.

In either case, your potential employer will typically need to sponsor you for any type of work visa which involves a fairly elaborate process. The application includes demonstrating that they couldn't fill the job with a U.S. worker. Also, depending on the type of work and the level of education, some visas may be more applicable than others.

It is always advisable to consult with an immigration attorney or expert to understand how best to approach your situation. They can help to clarify the process and can provide guidance based on your specific circumstances.

Please note that while you can certainly study in Mexico and still potentially work in the U.S., demonstrating ties to your home country is an important part of the student visa process for studying abroad. Studying in one country while intending to work in another may be more complex and could potentially raise questions during the visa application process. So, it's important to consider all these aspects when making your decision.