A US public health professional is in an immigration pickle after discovering a big problem that could cost them their work authorization. With their OPT expiring on September 5, they shared their situation online to get advice from others in similar shoes.
E-Verification Issue Came as a Surprise
The professional, who recently joined a public health department under a metro government, said they were about to file for the STEM OPT extension when they found out a key fact. “The department I work for used to handle their own hiring and was E-Verified (still shows up as E-Verified in the system), but recently they lost their hiring independence and now fall under the broader metro government which is not E-Verified. So I can’t apply for the STEM extension with them as my employer, even though I verified everything when I initially applied for the job,” they explained.
Now they’re in a bind.
Time is of the Essence and Options are Limited
They outlined three choices: “Get a new job ASAP. I was referred by my current supervisor to a new opening in a different organization. They start reviewing applications on August 12. If (big if) I get the offer and they are E-Verified, my DSO is ready to expedite the STEM extension paperwork.”
But they acknowledged the risks of waiting. “I could keep working until my OPT expires (Sept 5) and then enter the 60 day grace period while looking… The risk here: if I can’t get either by early November I’ll have to leave the US which I’m really hoping to avoid,” they added.
They also mentioned the option of joining a PhD program but are uncertain. “The problem is, I’m not enthusiastic about this program. I’m worried about committing to 5 years of something I’m not sure about, especially under this pressure,” they shared.
As the deadline approaches, they’re weighing their options and continuing to look for E-Verified jobs and considering PhD programs starting in Spring 2026.