Need advice: Laid off on STEM OPT, considering Indiana Wesleyan Day 1 CPT transfer
Hi everyone, I’m looking for advice from people who have been in a similar situation.
I’ve been employed continuously since the beginning of my OPT, but I was recently laid off because my employer does not support Day 1 CPT programs. My STEM OPT ends on July 8, and I received admission to Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) for the June 29 intake.
Right now I’m confused about the safest way to proceed. I’m considering transferring my active SEVIS to IWU, but I’m unsure whether I should:
- join the program without immediately applying for CPT(not sure how this will work if i get job in the middle of the semester),
- consider an unpaid internship temporarily(will have offer letter).
My biggest concern is future immigration issues or RFEs during H-1B, transfers, stamping, or green card processing. I want to make sure I handle this properly and don’t create problems later.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone who attended IWU or used Day 1 CPT after STEM OPT. How did you handle it, and did you face any issues later?
Thank you.