A college student on an F-1 visa has waited for a family-based green card since December 2022. The delay has created confusion around work authorisation and future plans. You face a tough choice when timelines stretch without clarity.
Internship Pressure Grows
The student studies in Illinois and now needs an internship. You want work experience and income to ease family pressure. For most F-1 students, OPT remains the standard option, but it often feels limited and restrictive.
Considering I-485 Based EAD
Instead of OPT, the student looks at an I-485-based Employment Authorization Document. You may see this as flexible during a long green card wait. The appeal lies in avoiding OPT constraints while staying work eligible.
Warnings From Other Visa Holders
Other visa holders raise serious concerns. You risk losing F-1 status if you use an adjustment-based EAD. Many warn about long processing times for green card EADs and suggest filing delay requests instead.
OPT Seen as the Safer Route
The broader consensus remains clear. You should work only under OPT if continuing college studies matters. OPT keeps student status intact while avoiding legal risks tied to adjustment-based employment.
Bigger Issue for Indian Students
Green card backlogs often trap students in such dilemmas. You carry the burden of navigating strict rules where small mistakes have big consequences. For Indian students in the US, the wait feels draining and unforgiving.
