H-1B Nightmare: Wins Lottery, Then Fired Without OPT

An H-1B lottery selection reportedly turned into a stressful situation for an international student in the United States after losing employer support before the visa filing process could begin. The incident has sparked discussion online about the growing uncertainty faced by foreign students and workers.

The student shared the experience on Reddit and explained that they were selected in the FY 2027 H-1B lottery through sponsorship from a company where they had worked as an unpaid intern. However, the employer later reportedly decided to terminate their role before filing the H-1B petition.

According to the student, they had initially entered the US on an F-1 visa. After being unable to afford a full master’s degree, they completed a certificate course in construction management at a community college and graduated in December.

The student also revealed that they had applied for OPT work authorisation after graduation. However, their EAD card had reportedly not arrived even after waiting for nearly six months. This delay created additional uncertainty regarding their legal work status in the country.

During the waiting period, the company allegedly continued assigning office support work to the student. The employer also entered the student into the H-1B lottery, and the registration was eventually selected during the FY 2027 process.

Despite the lottery selection, the company later informed the student that they were reportedly “not a good fit” for the role. According to the Reddit post, the H-1B petition had still not been officially filed when the decision was communicated.

The employer allegedly suggested that they might still help with a possible transfer process in the future. However, the student stated that the situation left them confused and uncertain about their immigration status, employment prospects, and long-term future in the US.

The case has once again highlighted the anxiety many international students currently face in America. Immigration delays, sponsorship uncertainty, and changing employment situations are creating growing pressure for students trying to build stable careers in the country.

Many online users pointed out that winning the H-1B lottery no longer guarantees security or stability for international workers. The discussion has also raised fresh concerns regarding OPT processing delays and the vulnerability of students dependent on employer sponsorship.