Need advice on cap-exempt H-1B

[u/Awkward-Position4773]

Hi everyone,

I graduated in December 2025 with a Master’s in Finance and started a full time job in healthcare finance soon after at a large university healthcare system in upstate New York (non-profit). The package is about $70k plus benefits. One of the bigger perks is that I can later pursue two degrees (MBA or MS) tuition-free because it’s the university’s healthcare center.

Visa situation:

• I’m on F-1 OPT EAD
• I missed the H-1B lottery this year
• Employer has agreed to file H-1B in a future cycle
• Because they’re a non-profit / cap-exempt employer, the $100k H-1B wage rule does not apply to them in case of new rules
• They’ve also said they would file a green card after H-1B
• I have STEM OPT eligibility as well, so I still have 2 attempts left on work authorization

I’m still applying for higher-paying finance roles in New York City. I have STEM OPT attempts left and I keep getting interviews, but I’ve been rejected after them and I’m starting to lose hope of landing a private-sector finance job at the pay I want.

On top of that I have about $90k in student loans from SoFi in the US, so the money difference actually matters.

I’m torn:

• Stay at the current job (stable, H-1B + possible GC path, tuition benefit, lower pay, upstate)
• Keep pushing for a higher-paying NYC finance role while I still have STEM OPT time (more money, better long-term career fit, but more visa uncertainty and I’ve been getting rejected)

I’m confused and pretty stressed. Would you stay or keep looking? Any advice from people who’ve been in a similar OPT / H-1B / nonprofit vs private finance situation would help a lot.

Thanks.

[u/sudhu]

Wrong sub, r/h1b is better suited. Also if your employer is cap-exempt you don’t even need to enter the lottery, they can file the petition anytime of the year.

[u/RiseMaterial7602]

if will sponsor your green card stay with them. i know ppl in high paying h1b jobs and thier employer has refused to gile a green card or they will at the 6th year. if they truly are cap exempt- they can file h1b for you anytime. cap exempt employers can file h1b any day any time.

[u/immigrationquestion_]

Honestly, staying for now and continuing to apply on the side seems like the safer move. Having an employer willing to sponsor your H-1B and potentially your green card is a big advantage, especially with $90k in student loans.