An F-1 student working on an OPT permit has alleged workplace betrayal after a long promise of a work visa and career growth failed to materialise. The graduate now faces uncertainty after relying on an expected H-1B sponsorship that may never happen.
The student shared that she had been working part time at the UVU Autism Center since 2022 while still studying in college. After graduating in May 2025, she continued in the same role because her manager suggested she could eventually take over his position.
According to the OPT worker, the manager had repeatedly said he planned to leave the role in May 2026 after finishing his master’s degree. He also mentioned that she could be trained to step into the position when he moved on.
Although there was no written job offer, the F-1 holder chose to stay with the organisation instead of pursuing other full time roles. The expectation of H-1B visa sponsorship played a major role in that decision.
The graduate claimed she was assigned extra responsibilities compared with others in the same role. These tasks included training an intern and managing additional work without adequate support.
She also said a small salary raise promised in May 2025 was delayed until October after several discussions. During this period, some workdays reportedly stretched to eight or nine hours.
The situation changed sharply in the past two weeks. It became clear that the manager might not leave the role in May 2026 as earlier indicated, leaving the OPT worker uncertain about future employment.
Her Optional Practical Training authorisation expires on May 4 and she does not qualify for a STEM extension. Without H-1B sponsorship, the graduate may be forced to leave the United States after her OPT ends.
The worker believes the situation cost her an entire year that could have been spent pursuing other opportunities. The experience has left her feeling exploited after relying on what she describes as a false promise of H-1B sponsorship.
