STEM Denied: Company Leaves OPT Stranded

A student with F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) is facing the brutal reality of the US job market as the expiration of his work permit draws near.

Taking to social media, the OPT worker shared that his company is unwilling to enroll in E-Verify, just 70 days out from completing his year-long stint that is legally allowed after graduation. E-verify would help the worker apply for a STEM extension to his OPT so that he can continue his job.

With a good salary of around $115K at a nonprofit organization, the last thing he would want is to jeopardize his career prospects. It’s shocking for the student that his company with 3,500 employees won’t commit to E-Verify because of the “HR burden”

Now, the company’s lawyer suggests Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) that allows college students to work off-campus jobs. However, that’s not a clear path either as it would mean saying goodbye to the STEM OPT extension for good.

Moreover, there’s the potential financial burden of paying for tuition for his degree, if the company won’t sponsor. It is bizarre that his employer is not opting for E-verify but their lawyers support the Day 1 CPT program instead.

It’s a frustrating reality for many Indian students. They’re stuck between staying with a company that can’t even commit to basic processes or risking everything for a temporary solution.

For students looking to secure their future in the US, the system seems to be working against them and that has sadly become the norm.