An international student has opened up about how their American dream fell apart—just as it was within reach.
Posting on Reddit, the former student with username Bornachiever_747 recounted how years of hard work and perseverance culminated in their H-1B petition being selected in the FY2025 lottery, a milestone coveted by many foreign workers. However, just days after this breakthrough, they were laid off by their employer. While the company went ahead and filed the H-1B petition with the stated intention of rehiring the employee later, the opportunity never materialized.
The H-1B visa was ultimately approved, but instead of securing stability, it triggered a cascade of complications. Under U.S. immigration regulations, the approval led to the automatic termination of the person’s F-1 (student) status. Without being rehired under the new visa, they were left without pay stubs—documents typically required to transfer an H-1B to a new employer.
“After consulting with an immigration attorney, I gained a better understanding of the system and the limited legal pathways available. Despite my efforts, the lack of viable options eventually forced me to leave the US,” the user wrote.
“It was a deeply disheartening experience,” they said. “For years, I had worked toward building a career there, and seeing that dream fall apart so abruptly was incredibly difficult to process.”
The post has sparked conversation among other international professionals who say they’ve faced similar predicaments, highlighting how the U.S. immigration framework—especially the H-1B visa system—can leave talented individuals stranded due to bureaucratic or timing issues.
For now, the Reddit user says they are focusing on rebuilding their career outside the U.S. while staying open to new opportunities. They also expressed a willingness to connect with others facing similar situations, offering solidarity and seeking insight on how to navigate such setbacks.