Do I need to be present at my qurbani?

Delegating is allowed

Scholars of all four schools agree that you can hand your qurbani to someone else (this is called wakalah, appointing an agent). The Prophet ﷺ himself did this: at his farewell Hajj he slaughtered many of his camels with his own hand and then gave the rest to Ali to slaughter for him (Sahih Muslim 1218). If the Prophet ﷺ delegated part of his own sacrifice, there's no problem in a busy convert in London or Chicago doing the same.

What you still need to do

• Make the intention. In your heart, intend that this animal is your qurbani (or your family's). Telling the charity or butcher your name does the job.
• Pay on time. The slaughter must happen after the Eid prayer on Eid al-Adha and before sunset on the last day of tashriq (the 13th of Dhul Hijjah, by the majority view).
• Choose a trustworthy agent. Use a reliable Muslim charity or halal abattoir. See Can I pay for qurbani abroad instead of locally?
• Hair and nails. Many scholars say whoever intends qurbani should stop cutting them from the 1st of Dhul Hijjah until it's done. See Do I have to stop cutting my hair and nails before qurbani?

Why some people still like to be there

Many scholars say it is better to slaughter your own animal, or at least to watch, because it's an act of worship and a powerful reminder of Prophet Ibrahim's obedience. Some families visit a farm on Eid for this. But in Europe and the USA, slaughter outside licensed abattoirs is often illegal, and many abattoirs don't allow visitors, so most converts simply delegate. Your reward is not reduced because the law or distance keeps you away.

Paying for qurbani abroad

Paying a charity to sacrifice in another country is the most common way converts do qurbani. You'll never see the animal, and that's fine. Good charities send a message once it's done. See Can I do one qurbani for my whole family?