Job searching is already rough, but not knowing what’s gonna happen with my visa just makes it 10x worse. I feel like I can’t plan anything—don’t know if I’ll get a job, if I’ll have to leave, or if I should start looking at backup options like Day 1 CPT. Just feels like everything is up in the air.
How do you guys deal with this? Do you just take it day by day, or do you have some kind of plan? Would love to hear how others are handling it.
Uncertainty is tough, but doing is more important than overthinking. Focus on what you can control—apply, explore options, and take action. Life fluctuates, and so will your circumstances. The more you experience, the more doors will open. Keep moving, and you’ll find your way. Don’t forget your social support network and other supporting sources like hobbies.
As anxious as you due to the visa lottery. I’ve been doing hiking to relieve my stress, which is kinda helpful
Thanks for the replies so far! It definitely helps just to know that others are feeling the same way, but are finding ways to cope with it.
Job hunting is hard enough—but doing it without knowing what’s happening with your visa makes it 10x worse.
I feel like I can’t plan anything. I don’t know if I’ll get a job, if I’ll have to leave, or if I should start looking at backup options like Day 1 CPT. Everything just feels… up in the air.
I’m trying to stay grounded, but the uncertainty is draining.
How do you all deal with this?
Do you take it day by day? Or do you have some kind of plan or framework that helps?
Would really love to hear how others are handling this kind of limbo.
This hits hard. The job hunt is stressful enough, but add visa uncertainty and it feels like you’re building a future on quicksand. It’s not just about finding a job, it’s about finding one that understands your status, moves fast, and doesn’t flinch at the word “sponsorship.”
Personally, I try to have a short-term plan (next 30–60 days), a mid-term fallback like Day 1 CPT, and a long-term goal like NIW or employer sponsorship. But even with a plan, it still feels like survival mode half the time.
You’re not alone in this, thanks for saying what a lot of us are thinking.
Honestly, I’m not sure there’s a perfect way to handle all this uncertainty. I just comfort myself by focusing on the experience and taking things one day at a time instead of stressing about the future. 
Really enjoy the sense of “we’re all in this together” at least 