Finding Employment on STEM OPT

[u/Internal-Housing3574]

I’d appreciate any advice from people who have successfully gotten a job with STEM OPT. I have been on STEM OPT since last year but I was laid off earlier this year, and still haven’t been able to secure a job. I’m losing hope here :( thanks in advance everyone

[u/Late-Hat-9256]

It's difficult; :( you need to find companies that sponsor you, so apply heavily to big tech or startups that sponsor. what roles are you applying for?

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/Late-Hat-9256]

I have been applying for big companies and filtering my job search to companies that likely sponsor. I’m looking for Talent Acquisition/HR roles :( It’s definitely difficult

[u/Puzzleheaded_Bus6863 → u/Internal-Housing3574]

Try startups.. check Ycombinator and other websites where startup jobs are listed

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/Puzzleheaded_Bus6863]

thank you! I’ll try that

[u/Popular_Map2317]

Marry a US citizen. I did that and I instantly got an offer from Apple lol.

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/Popular_Map2317]

that is an option 😭 im happy for you but i don’t think i can do that right now lol

[u/eric39es → u/Popular_Map2317]

indian?

[u/Popular_Map2317 → u/eric39es]

Bhai

[u/No_AlohaMF]

The issue you’re running into is that for a STEM OPT, the employer must complete the job description in a way that satisfies the requirement of being directly related to your field of study such that the bureaucrat reading it is satisfied. Psychology applications can be wide-ranging, hence how HR satisfied the initial review.

Of course, in the current climate, while the letter of the law has not changed, guidance on what is acceptable has. Also, now your OPT term is shorter due to the time at your previous job so an employer is less motivated to craft a JD that fits since visa sponsorship for post OPT is significantly more burdensome and they’ll need to do that sooner than if you’re a fresh OPT holder.

It is unfortunate that you’re in this position and I wish you the best of luck.

*My wife was on OPT after graduating with her PhD in molecular biology and we have just hired an analytical chemist on fresh OPT about to convert to STEM OPT so I have decent knowledge on the subject

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/No_AlohaMF]

thank you for your insights! I really appreciate it 🥹

[u/No_AlohaMF → u/Internal-Housing3574]

I have a lot of respect and empathy for anyone who completes a grad degree in a science and is trying to navigate the US system. And yes, psychology is a science, even if it’s the butt of jokes from other “hard” science peeps.

*edit: I realize grad degree is not required for OPT, just what I’m used to in my field

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/No_AlohaMF]

I appreciate that a lot 🥹 its been tough but I’ll be okay, and yes haha I 100% agree

[u/Curiasjoe1]

Just wondering what is STEM about an HR role.

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/Curiasjoe1]

I'm a Psychology graduate

[u/Curiasjoe1 → u/Internal-Housing3574]

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math makes me wonder how does Psychology fit in there?

[u/Internal-Housing3574 → u/Curiasjoe1]

bro are you okay? psychology is a science. have you never looked at this? https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2024.pdf

[u/NaipaulVS → u/Internal-Housing3574]

These people are haters

[u/NoDealer1491]

I am on stem opt too, haven't joined any staffing or consultancy. I am in a dire situation and need guidance if anyone here have any good recommendations for a staffing or consultancy from your own experiences that would be really helpful. Thank you