An F-1 student in the United States has shared a difficult situation after being laid off during STEM OPT. With only four months left, he is now under pressure to secure a job and maintain his visa status.
The data science student based in New York has already used 30 of the 150 unemployment days allowed under F-1 OPT rules. This leaves him with around 120 days to find a valid job or risk falling out of status.
With changing immigration policies and a tough job market, the situation has become more challenging. Finding suitable employment is not easy, especially when competition is high across multiple sectors in the US.
He believes the best option is to secure a data or AI role with an employer who understands STEM OPT regulations. However, even US citizens are currently facing difficulties in finding jobs, making the process harder for visa holders.
Another possible route is through consulting or staffing firms, which many fresh OPT and H-1B candidates consider. However, this comes with risks, especially concerns around fake payroll setups or bench roles that may create issues later.
Day 1 CPT programmes are also being explored as an alternative. While they can offer temporary work authorisation, they are often seen as controversial and may lead to complications in future visa approvals.
The student is also considering working with a friend’s small business in an analytics role. Although the work would be genuine, he is unsure how immigration authorities would evaluate such employment under STEM OPT guidelines.
Despite the pressure, he has decided to avoid any risky or questionable options. His situation highlights the uncertainty many international students face and the importance of making careful and informed decisions during visa challenges.
