OPT Forced into Unpaid Work: End of H-1B Dream?

An F-1 visa holder on Optional Practical Training (OPT) has shared his distressing experience after his employer suddenly withdrew an H-1B opportunity. His case reflects the growing uncertainty many international students face in the U.S. job market.

Job loss after $100K H-1B fee

The student initially volunteered to stay active under OPT before securing a paid role. However, after the announcement of the new $100,000 H-1B fee, his employer delayed onboarding and finally dropped him. The move left him with a 60-day unemployment gap a situation that puts visa status at risk.

Forced into unpaid work

To maintain his legal status, he joined an unpaid startup last week. But unlike a casual internship, the role demands full-time effort, daily updates, and heavy workloads without pay. What began as a temporary fix has now become a burden, taking away time from finding stable, paid employment.

Worsening situation for Indian students

Many Indian graduates in the U.S. face similar uncertainty. The OPT work permit allows only limited unemployment days, and the tightening of H-1B rules has made companies cautious about hiring international workers.

A bleak outlook for young professionals

Students say that unpaid work offers no security or motivation. The policies and new visa fees have made the American dream harder to sustain. For many, staying “active” is no longer enough it’s now about survival in an unstable system.