A STEM OPT student has shared a troubling experience after their employer vanished without paying them.
Employer disappears after one month
The F-1 student had their I-983 training plan approved by their school and started work normally. But after the first month, the employer stopped responding and failed to pay them for their work.
Fear over F-1 visa status
After informing their DSO, the student became anxious about their immigration status. Their biggest concern is that the 30 days of unpaid work might count as unemployment, which could affect their F-1 visa status.
Legal clarity on unpaid work
Experts clarified that not being paid does not count as unemployment for immigration purposes. The student’s F-1 status remains safe, but the employer’s actions amount to a state-level violation of labour laws.
Filing a formal complaint
The student was advised to file a complaint with their state’s labour department. This step is essential for recovering unpaid wages and holding the employer accountable for wage theft.
Exploitation of international students
This incident highlights how vulnerable international students on OPT are. Many face exploitation, delayed payments, and poor working conditions, often without strong legal protection or awareness of their rights.
Need for stronger safeguards
Until better safeguards are in place, international students will continue facing such exploitation. Clearer regulations and stricter employer accountability are needed to protect students pursuing opportunities abroad.
