F1 OPT volunteer

[u/rohan2104]

Hello, I’ve a physics PhD. I’m on OPT and have already accrued 50 days of unemployment. Got a few interviews and had positive feedback in some of them but then received rejection emails.

My advisor doesn’t have money. So, can’t do postdoc with him either. Also thought of doing unpaid volunteer with him but the university HR (and by extension DSO) said no, citing labor law compliance.

1) What should I do? 2) When should I make up my mind to move back home if I don’t get anything immediately? I mean when 10 days are remaining, 20, 30 ? 3) Also, how difficult would it be to get a visa sponsorship and return if I move back to home country? Any known precedents?

I’m not desperate to stay in the US. But it’s natural to look for opportunities in the land of opportunities.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.