US Firm’s Policy U-Turn: OPT Fired for F-1 Status

An F-1 student on OPT has lost their job without warning. You were part of a two year rotational programme and had clearly stated your visa status from the start.

Terminated because of OPT status

Your manager earlier had no problem with your F-1 visa. Now the company has ended your role only because you are on OPT. You and another OPT worker were told you are no longer eligible for the programme.

Company changed its hiring policy

The company now wants only workers who can stay in the US long term without sponsorship. This policy change came almost a year after you joined. You had even rejected another offer that guaranteed visa sponsorship for this role.

Forced to search for a new job

You now need to find a new job immediately. The sudden termination has left you with no backup. You must start using your unemployment days to stay legally in the US while job hunting.

Legal but unfair situation

Experts say this is due to internal sponsorship rules. The situation feels discriminatory against F-1 students, but it is legal. At-will employment allows companies to fire you for almost any reason.

Immigration policies make it worse

Strict immigration policies have made sponsorship harder. H-1B visas for junior roles are especially difficult to get. Because of this, many companies avoid hiring workers who need future sponsorship.