H-1B Job Crisis: Green Card Hope Halts Career Growth

A 24-year-old engineer on an H-1B visa is facing a personal and professional crisis after realising her career growth has stalled. Constant worry about immigration status has added to the stress, showing how work stagnation can deeply affect mental health.

She completed college in 2023 and joined a civil engineering firm soon after. The company sponsored her H-1B visa and later initiated her employment-based green card process in April 2025, creating early confidence about long-term stability.

The H-1B worker says her manager was supportive and offered fair pay. She was even allowed to use a company car for six months. Three years later, the same role feels limiting due to the absence of promotion or role expansion.

While she has received annual raises to match inflation, there has been no significant growth. Her employer explained that progress may take longer since she comes from a mechanical background while working in a civil role, adding to her internal conflict.

Her location has also contributed to what she describes as a quarter-life crisis. She wishes to move to a bigger city for better exposure but remains tied to a small town because of friendships and familiarity.

The ongoing green card process has further restricted her options. Her employer filed the case last year and advised waiting until the end of this year, leaving her uncertain about when mobility may become possible.

Slow PERM processing and green card backlogs continue to delay timelines for many foreign workers. She feels capable of moving ahead professionally, but believes the visa system and future green card outcome are the only barriers.

As she approaches 25, expectations of career growth and independence remain unmet. Instead of planning advancement, she finds herself tracking immigration timelines before making any professional decision.