Looking for some advice. Its been a rough few months and could really use some guidance.
Moved to the US in 2022 for my master's right after my bachelor's, did an internship, and started full-time in 2024 right after graduation. Got laid off in late 2025 in a company-wide cut after our project got canceled.
Since then it's just been one thing after another, had an offer rescinded due to H-1B policy changes, filed COS, had a transfer petition filed, even relocated for a role that was basically about to start… and it still didn't work out. Increased scrutiny and delays killed every opportunity. None of it was in my control, but on paper I've got a several-month gap that it might looks bad.
I'm now planning on transitioning back to India (never worked there before) and could use guidance on:
- Is it okay to list my last role as "Present" and explain later? Or should I keep the real end date and briefly note the reason (visa constraints) in a summary? Worried recruiters will just filter me out based on the gap before I even get a chance to explain.
- In interviews, is just being honest ("laid off + visa issues") enough or should I frame it differently?
- What actually gets callbacks in India: applying early to postings or contacting directly to recruiters/TA?
It's been a stressful few months burning through savings and managing student debt, but I'm ready to move forward. Any advice would mean a lot, especially from folks who've made a similar transition.