F-1 OPT Nightmare: 5000 Applications, 0 Interviews

A fresh MS in Computer Science graduate shares the harsh reality of the US job market. You see the frustration build as he applies for roles nonstop. With two years of software engineering experience in India, you expect progress, yet nothing moves.

No Interviews Despite Massive Effort

He explains on Reddit that he sent 5,000 applications without hearing a single human voice. You read about online assessments that go well, then everything stops. There is no interview and no follow-up. The silence drains your energy.

Stress Growing With Every Rejection

You watch him deal with automated responses that feel cold and final. The stress grows until it affects his mental health. He wonders if he should return to India even though his OPT runs until 2026. Many Indian students share the same fear.

Job Market Hits International Students Hard

Tech layoffs have erased openings and hiring freezes are now routine. Companies avoid international candidates because they worry about visa issues under the Trump administration. DHS site visits at OPT employers make them even more cautious.

A Desperate Search For Any Chance

You see a young Indian techie asking for referrals from anyone willing to consider an OPT holder. His story reflects a moment where the system feels broken. Skill takes a back seat as uncertainty controls every decision.