H-1B Crisis: Indian Techie Thrown Out After OPT

An Indian student who once had big hopes for a long-term tech career in the US is now staring at a dead end.

After completing a master’s degree in December 2023, the F-1 visa holder landed a job as a network engineer, earning around $60,000 a year on OPT (Optional Practical Training). But everything is now at risk.

His employer, a major data center company, refused to sponsor his H-1B this year, claiming they didn’t have the budget. This was his second chance after he wasn’t even selected in the 2024 lottery, leaving him with only one attempt.

The Indian techie claims he can’t afford to go back to school, and most job offers demand candidates with permanent work status. He’s been sending out applications, reaching out on LinkedIn, and begging for help, but no one is willing to sponsor a work visa.

One of the netizens said that companies are simply not willing to risk H-1B sponsorships anymore. Another advised looking beyond the US—Canada, Europe, or even an L-1 route back to the States after working abroad.

This isn’t just one student’s struggle; it’s a warning sign as more employers are just temporarily hiring OPT workers with no long-term commitment. The H-1B door is closing, and thousands of Indian dreams may be dead on arrival.