Landing a job offer during OPT is a dream for any graduate—until you realize it might come with hidden risks. One student just shared a story that has put him in a real conflict about whether his opportunity is really a trap.
An F-1 visa holder got an internship offer from a small AI startup paying just $1,000 a month. The company has no product yet and is still trying to prove its idea. Their US office is a small, remote setup, not e-verified, and they have no clue about H-1B sponsorship.
Also Read – US Gets One Step Closer to Kill OPT Program
On top of that, the student was told they’d have a heavier workload just because they hold a master’s degree. That should raise flags to begin with. But they don’t have much time to job hunt elsewhere if things don’t pan out.
The pay is low, and there’s no guarantee the startup can pay the minimum wage needed for an H-1B visa filing later. The student fears getting stuck in this role for months, wasting precious time that could’ve been spent applying for better, safer jobs.
Also Read – H-1B RFE Still a Trouble for Green Card Holder?
However, it’s not that simple. The market is tough, forcing them to take up this risky startup gig with no security.
If you’re facing this kind of offer, think hard before jumping in. Low pay, unclear sponsorship, and heavy workload aren’t just tough, they could derail your career plans.
