Many Indian students on F-1 visas in the United States; particularly those working under Optional Practical Training (OPT) or its STEM extension; are reporting a troubling pattern: companies that initially agreed to sponsor their H-1B work visas are withdrawing support at the last moment, just days before the H-1B registration period begins on March 4.
According to complaints shared by students online, several employers have informed them they no longer plan to sponsor H-1B petitions, even after verbal assurances earlier in the year.
One student on Reddit said their company; an Indian consultancy; had promised to sponsor their H-1B and the student had trusted that commitment, declined other job offers, and planned their career around it. But at the last hour, the company reversed its decision, leaving them feeling “cheated” and unsure how to maintain their status in the US.
Students say many of the decisions come with little warning, giving them no time to seek alternative employers before the H-1B cap registration opens.
While F-1 students already in the US do not have to pay the newly imposed $100,000 H-1B fee that applies to applicants from abroad, employers still seem reluctant to proceed with sponsorship despite earlier promises.
Experts and applicants point to several possible reasons for the sudden cut-backs.
Some employers may be reacting to uncertainty around new immigration rules and wage-level requirements that accompany the H-1B process, making them more cautious about committing to sponsorship.
Others suggest that verbal sponsorship commitments are not legally binding, leaving workers with limited options when companies change course at the last minute.
The situation adds to broader frustrations among international students and professionals navigating the US immigration system.
With limited opportunities and fierce competition, many fear these last-minute reversals could jeopardise their ability to continue working or living in the United States.