Indian Tech Worker’s American Dream Shattered After Sudden Job Loss Amid Visa Uncertainty

New Delhi / Washington D.C.:
For thousands of Indians who migrate to the United States seeking education and career success, the American dream often represents freedom and opportunity. But for many, that dream can vanish overnight — as shown by the story of a 32-year-old Indian worker who suddenly lost his job and now faces visa expiry with no safety net.

After moving to the US in 2021 on an F1 student visa, the worker built a life around his studies and later his employment under the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) program — a temporary work permit for science and technology graduates. However, just months before his visa was due to expire, his employer abruptly terminated his project, leaving him unemployed and scrambling for options.

The worker shared his experience on Reddit, describing how his once-stable career turned into a nightmare. “I feel lost about returning to India after my STEM OPT ends,” he wrote, capturing the uncertainty faced by thousands in similar positions.

He had hoped to join a Day 1 CPT program to extend his stay, but with tightening immigration policies and a cooling job market, securing sponsorship became nearly impossible. Several commenters on his post empathized, revealing similar struggles — from employers withdrawing sponsorships to the risks of joining “grey area” Day 1 CPT programs that may attract scrutiny from US immigration authorities.

Experts point out that such cases are increasingly common as the US job market for white-collar professionals slows, and the salary threshold for H-1B sponsorships exceeds $100,000. This leaves many foreign professionals in limbo, forced to either return home or risk violating visa rules.

While some encouraged the worker to view this as a chance for a fresh start back in India, others warned that returning might feel like a setback — citing India’s lower wages, infrastructure challenges, and reduced personal freedom compared to life in the US.

Still, the story highlights a growing reality: for many chasing the American dream, the line between success and setback can be as thin as a visa renewal notice.