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…
yeah same here, trying not to stress too much but it’s definitely in the back of my mind.
feels like every few months there’s some new policy change or rumor and it’s exhausting trying to plan long term when so much is uncertain. like we’re already dealing with enough just staying in status and figuring out career stuff, now all this on top.
for now I’m just focusing on what I can control — staying in good status, keeping options open (H1B, Canada, maybe second master if needed), and watching for official updates instead of getting lost in rumors.
curious to hear what others are thinking too. are you guys actively prepping backup plans or just waiting it out for now?
Hey, thanks for sharing so openly—your words really resonate. You’re definitely not alone in feeling this way. I’m also on Day 1 CPT for my second master’s and didn’t get picked in the H1B lottery either. The pressure is real. It feels like we’re constantly walking a fine line between being compliant and being at risk, no matter how careful we are.
I totally get the frustration—following every rule, showing up for class, maintaining full-time work, and still being left in limbo while policies shift under our feet. The uncertainty about SEVIS, stricter visa scrutiny, and the political climate just adds to the stress.
Right now, I’m looking into a few contingency plans—Canada PR through the Express Entry system (since my work experience and education might qualify me), keeping an eye on cap-exempt H1B options, and even exploring remote jobs that would allow me to live abroad while working U.S. time zones. I’m also staying in close contact with my DSO and immigration attorney, just in case things change quickly.
But honestly, sometimes the best thing is just hearing from others in the same situation. So thank you again for starting this thread. It helps to know we’re in this together—even if we’re all trying different strategies.
Wishing you (and everyone else here) strength, clarity, and a breakthrough soon. We deserve stability after everything we’ve put in.