OPT is NOT Sponsorship

General
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1

OPT is NOT Sponsorship — But Many Employers Still Don’t Know That
As international students, many of us weren’t held back by our skills, grades, or experience.

We were held back by a common misunderstanding:
Employers thinking that hiring someone on OPT means sponsorship.

Here’s the truth:
:white_check_mark: OPT (Optional Practical Training) is not the same as H-1B sponsorship
:white_check_mark: It costs employers nothing extra
:white_check_mark: You can work full-time for 1–3 years immediately after graduation (STEM students get 3 years)

Thousands of talented graduates are being overlooked — not for lack of ability, but due to lack of awareness.

Let’s change that. Share this and help clear the confusion.

2

So true. I’ve had hiring managers straight up say “we don’t do sponsorship” the moment I mention I’m on OPT — even when I explain that it’s not sponsorship and doesn’t cost them anything.

It’s frustrating because OPT is supposed to give us a fair shot. We worked hard, earned our degrees, and we’re legally allowed to work full-time. But we still get filtered out because people don’t know the basics.

Appreciate you posting this — more people need to hear it. Let’s keep spreading the word.

3

Totally agree with this! :raising_hands:

I’ve run into this exact issue — great interviews, solid fit, and then suddenly the conversation stops when OPT comes up. It’s frustrating because OPT doesn’t require any extra cost or paperwork from the employer, but the misunderstanding still scares some of them off.

Honestly, “sponsorship” often just feels like a softer way of saying ‘citizens or green card holders only.’ A lot of companies just don’t want to spend time or resources on any legal procedures — even when none are actually needed for OPT.

Appreciate you breaking it down so clearly. The more we share this info, the more chances we create for international grads who are ready to contribute right away.

4

They just don’t want to add any comlicity into their work.