Last-minute backing down: Indian F-1 students claim companies refused to sponsor H-1Bs despite previous promises

Students working on OPT or OPT extension in the United States on F-1 visas claim that the companies they worked for are now no longer sponsoring H-1B visas at the last minute. They learned of the change just days before H-1B cap registration began on March 4, leaving them with no other option to remain in the United States. F-1 visa students complained that because the students were already in the United States, their applications would not require the $100,000 fee if they were selected for H-1B visas, but the company still did not proceed with processing the previously promised H-1Bs. “I am currently racing in F1 (OPT) and my company has verbally confirmed that they will sponsor my H1B this year. I planned everything around that – staying with them, not exploring other offers, and trusting their commitment. Now, at the last minute, they have said they will no longer sponsor. This is an Indian consulting firm and I heard that some other Indian consulting firms have also dropped their sponsorship of OPT candidates,” said a Reddit user. “I feel bad and I honestly felt cheated. If they had told me earlier, I could have tried elsewhere. Changing the decision so late would have put my status and career at risk,” the Reddit user added.

This is a new challenge as thousands of Indians are stuck in India without getting any visa stamp date, some have been laid off and many have had their H-1B visas canceled on charges of working for US companies from India. F-1 students already in the United States will not receive a job call requiring an H-1B visa.

“I wanted to ask if anyone has observed any pattern in the job market lately. I see these companies are no longer hiring any H1B visa holders. They are not even willing to accept visa transfers. They claim this is their internal policy and has nothing to do with the legal process and other stuff. Are companies being targeted by the government for hiring H1B candidates??? Is now a bad time to be on an H1B visa? Because I get a lot of calls for OPT EAD contract positions but no one is ready for H1B visa holders,” another Redditor the user wrote.

Only 70 companies paid $100,000 in H-1B visa fees

Only about 70 employers have paid $100,000 in Trump fees to H-1B workers outside the U.S. since the White House announcement made them mandatory in September, a government lawyer said Thursday during a hearing on a lawsuit over the visa fees.