Hyderabad: A continuous churn in visa policies in the US, has pushed many Indians to the edge. In a recent move, several American companies have made it mandatory for those on Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work with them for at least a year before they can sponsor their H-1B. Result: Many freshly-minted Indian graduates with new jobs — hoping to participate in the H-1B visa lottery this March — are now forced to sit out of the process.
Incidentally, Indians comprise the largest group of H-1B visa applicants, making up nearly 72% of the lottery system’s applications.
This policy shift aimed at filtering employees who can commit for a longer time in the company, OPT holders said, has added to their uncertainty.
“I was hoping to file for the H-1B lottery this March. But now, my employer has made it clear that they will only sponsor employees who have completed one year with the company. I will have to wait until 2026 for my first attempt,” said a Hyderabad-based techie who was hired in Nov 2024, after completing his master’s in computer science.
OPT is usually issued to students on F1 to work for one year post-completion of their education.
While many new recruits have been contemplating switching jobs to escape the one-year rule, they admit that it isn’t easy. “Though I know I can make it for the March lottery if I move into a company that doesn’t have this OPT rule, finding fresh employment is tough. Also, the visa transfer process isn’t always straightforward,” said another 25-year-old living in Los Angeles and working with a cybersecurity firm. She was hired in Oct 2024.
Take hit on pay, profile
The uncertainty is forcing many Indian students to make difficult choices — settle for lesser pay, junior profiles or just delay their plans for long-term work in the US.
“A friend of mine switched companies just to get the H-1B sponsorship, but his current job is a downgrade from what he was doing before. The pay is as much as 20% less compared to what the earlier company was offering,” said Rohan Shah, studying data analytics in New Jersey. Shah is now stressed about his chances of finding a job with a company ready to sponsor his H-1B immediately. “What is the guarantee that they will sponsor after a year? And if they don’t, where will we go? We will have to work odd jobs,” he said.
Another student from Bengaluru, currently working in Texas as a programme manager said the shift in policy has left many students feeling vulnerable. “It’s almost like a trap — you work hard to get a job, but the very company that hires you now wants you to prove loyalty for a year before they’ll sponsor your visa,” he said.
QUOTE
While employers are well within their rights to set internal policies on sponsorship, it does add an extra layer of uncertainty for immigrants navigating the already complex visa process. Switching jobs just to enter the lottery is not always the best long-term strategy. It’s important to weigh career growth, job stability, and the likelihood of sponsorship before making a decision
— Ravi Lothumalla, expert on education abroad and immigration in the US
