My workplace will not help me with extension
Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice because I’m feeling pretty stressed about my situation and I want to understand what my best options are.
I am currently working under my regular OPT. My OPT expires on August, 2026, so I am now at the point where I need to prepare for my STEM OPT extension.
The problem is that my employer recently told me they will not help me with the STEM OPT extension. At first there was some uncertainty, and HR mentioned they were reviewing things, but I was finally told they would not be able to support it.
What makes this more frustrating is that I was told they would help me in the process, they would like me to stay but for some reason they do not want to be linked with anything regarding sponsorships or something close to it.
Now I’m trying to figure out what I should do next. Since my filing window is already open, I know time matters. I understand that I would need to find another employer that is willing and able to support STEM OPT requirements, but I am worried about whether I can realistically find a qualifying job in time.
I wanted to ask if any of y'all had a similar situation or if there is any advice someone could give me on what to do.
Thank you.