Anyone else feeling stuck between CPT, H1B, and the future right now?

Hey everyone, just wanted to throw this out there and see if anyone’s in a similar boat.

I’m currently on Day 1 CPT (second master’s) while working full-time. Didn’t get picked in the H1B lottery this year and honestly feeling a little lost. I’m doing everything by the book—attending classes, keeping my GPA solid, maintaining full-time work authorization—but it still feels like I’m walking a tightrope.

Now with all the news going around about SEVIS terminations, stricter visa screenings, and even talk of Trump possibly ending OPT/CPT if he wins again… it’s getting hard not to stress out. I came here thinking if I worked hard, followed the rules, I’d find a path forward. But now it feels like even that’s not guaranteed anymore.

Just curious—how are you all dealing with the uncertainty? Anyone here planning backup options like Canada, switching to student visas again, or just riding it out and hoping for the best? I’d love to hear your thoughts, even if it’s just to feel a little less alone in this.

Thanks for reading, and good luck to everyone navigating all this right now.

I think all the changes that’s been happening are still tentative or are at least only for a relatively short term. I’m trying to stay calm and keep myself updated with the hopes that things will settle down sooner or later. Would like to know what everyone’s perspectives are though…