Furloughed on F-1 OPT, Need Help!!

Thorlabs
NeedHelp

Thorlabs

NeedHelp
Mar 24, 2020 29 Comments

Hello Everyone,

I am furloughed recently due to COVID-19 from my organization and They said that it could take upto 3 months for them to reinstate me back.

Furlough - A temporary layoff from place of employment

I have few queries in my mind, it would be great if someone can answer.
Q-1 - Am I unemployed right now ? Should I update my sevp portal ? Have my unemployment counter already with this furlough ?

Q-2 - What would be best for me right now? I can't even file for Stem extension.

It would be great if someone can help me out in referral or some advice. I have restricted blind access so I cannot dm anyone. Please give any email id here where I can reach you if you are generous enough to help in this difficult situation.

#COVID19 #F-1OPT #Unemployed

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TOP 29 Comments
  • For my friend who's been furloughed, the dso at Indiana University said that he's not considered to be unemployed as he can get back to the job after the furlough has been lifted. I think technically he's under an unpaid vacation.
    Apr 2, 2020 0
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    TYcQ53

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    TYcQ53
    What was your major? Are you sure you can’t file STEM extension? I work with immigration visas, and we are able to get the extension for many ees that are not in tech (business analytics, FP&A etc)
    Mar 24, 2020 4
    • Thorlabs
      NeedHelp

      Thorlabs

      NeedHelp
      OP
      Thats a really helpful information. Thanks a lot, I will keep in mind while applying. Due to have any opportunities available for me ?
      Mar 24, 2020
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      TYcQ53

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      TYcQ53
      Unfortunately not at the moment. Best of luck on your search! There are a bunch of posts asking for referral, and lots of replies with recruiter’s direct emails. I would suggest searching through those posts
      Mar 24, 2020
  • please update when hearing back from your school. In the same situation.
    Mar 25, 2020 3
    • New
      vpanchal12

      New

      vpanchal12
      Same here. Please update us about what your university informs. I will do the same. I have an appointment on Monday.
      Mar 28, 2020
    • New
      IMHelpless

      New

      IMHelpless
      Hey Guys, OP here just wanted to post the update for you guys who got furloughed and are on F-1 OPT.
      I conversed with my school and they said if you are not on their payroll, it means you're unemployed.
      You can do volunteer work or something else but you must do 20 hours to be employed and keep your status.
      I have updated the sevp portal and currently looking for a job in this tight market, kind of feeling totally helpless. Let me know what other questions, you guys have and I would try to answer them. Thanks
      Mar 30, 2020
  • Yes furloughed is considered unemployed as far as USCIS is concerned. You get 90 days of unemployment, but an extra 30 if you’ve got a STEM extension.

    Start looking for work immediately and speak to your university. If you’re OPT, they are still in control of your visa.

    USCIS is being more lenient with F-1 working requirements during the crisis, and some of that may help you. Your university should have details in this and can help you through.
    Mar 24, 2020 1
    • Thorlabs
      NeedHelp

      Thorlabs

      NeedHelp
      OP
      Thanks a lot, Yes I am scheduled an appointment with my international student advisor tomorrow. I really hope if they can relax some laws during this crisis as there are very few companies right now in market that are actually hiring.
      Mar 24, 2020
  • What is furloughed ? Please remove personal email, always messsge it to ppl
    Mar 24, 2020 2
    • Thorlabs
      NeedHelp

      Thorlabs

      NeedHelp
      OP
      I have updated the post, I am restricted from using blind mobile app so not sure how can I dm them. That's why I thought probably I should put my email but removed it now!!
      Mar 24, 2020
    • Furloughed means temporarily let go. Usually happens when the work dries up (not super common in our industry), but the employer still wants to keep the employee ready for when business bounces back.
      Mar 24, 2020