Why Is US OPT Still Troubling Indians?

It is already known that the large section of the Indian population travelling to the United States goes there for better employment opportunities and work culture. But things are not performing now due to the new reforms.

An international worker in the United States has shared a troubling experience that highlights the risks many foreign employees face while working on Optional Practical Training, widely known as OPT.

The worker claims that the company promised to sponsor an H 1B visa during the hiring process but later backed out when the filing season arrived.

Believing the promise, the employee joined the firm and worked extensively to support the company’s operations. However, when the time came to submit the H 1B petition, the employer reportedly refused to move forward with the sponsorship and abruptly terminated the worker’s contract.

The employee also alleged that the company paid nearly half of the standard prevailing wage for the role. In addition, the job reportedly offered no health insurance, paid leave, or other common benefits. The employer was also unwilling to cover the required government filing fees for the visa process.

Because the petition was never filed, the worker now faces an uncertain future in the United States. For many international graduates, the transition from OPT to H 1B status is crucial for continuing employment and staying in the country legally.

Such incidents reflect a wider concern among international students and professionals. Many depend heavily on employer sponsorship, and when companies withdraw support at the last moment, workers are often left with limited options and very little time to find alternative employment.