A foreign student’s newly secured US job reportedly collapsed within weeks, highlighting a growing concern surrounding STEM OPT employment for international students. The incident has sparked discussions online about employer compliance and visa-related challenges faced by F-1 students.
According to a Reddit post, the student spent several months applying to thousands of jobs before finally receiving an offer from the Florida Department of Health. The user claimed they completed multiple interview rounds, passed background verification, relocated near the office, and officially joined the role.
The situation reportedly changed about a month after starting the job. The student claimed they approached their supervisor to begin the STEM OPT extension process and complete Form I-983, which is mandatory for STEM OPT approval in the United States.
According to the post, the employer informed the student that the organisation no longer signs Form I-983 documents following a policy change introduced earlier this year. The student said this information was never disclosed during the hiring or onboarding process.
The Reddit user also claimed their Designated School Official (DSO) had earlier explained that most employers usually complete Form I-983 because it is considered standard paperwork for STEM OPT employees.
The student now reportedly has less than 30 days remaining to find another qualifying employer. According to the post, they may need to restart the entire job search process despite recently securing employment after months of effort.
The incident has once again raised concerns among international students studying in the United States. Many students fear that some employers are becoming reluctant to handle the compliance requirements linked to STEM OPT extensions, even after hiring F-1 visa holders.
The case also highlights how sudden policy changes and immigration paperwork issues can place international students at risk of losing legal work status in the US.
