A recent incident has highlighted the tough reality faced by many international graduates in the U.S. who depend on employers to sponsor their H-1B visas. A young data analyst shared their upsetting experience on Reddit, explaining how a dental implant company in Salt Lake City promised to sponsor their visa, only to back out at the last moment.
The analyst was working under Optional Practical Training (OPT) and joined the company believing the H-1B sponsorship was guaranteed. But after many delays and vague answers from the employer, the truth came out just one day before the H-1B lottery deadline. “The day before the lottery closed, my manager told me the company had decided not to sponsor after all,” the Redditor wrote.
The next day, the analyst and the company agreed to part ways. This left the employee with only 90 days to find a new job and employer willing to sponsor an H-1B visa or face the risk of deportation. The post struck a chord with many in the immigrant community, especially Indian students on STEM OPT, who have limited time to stay and work legally in the U.S. after finishing school.
Many commenters shared similar stories of broken promises from employers. Critics say the system makes international graduates vulnerable, as employers face little accountability for backing out of sponsorship deals. Instead, the focus tends to be on the visa applicants, not the companies who may misuse the system.
This incident shows how uncertain and stressful the process can be for international students. It has sparked calls for more fairness and transparency in how H-1B sponsorships are handled.
The original Reddit post ended with a heartfelt request for help and advice. Many people responded with support and shared their own experiences, showing how even one missed chance can drastically affect someone’s future.
