Protect yourself from Layoffs
I know how hard it is to search for a job. I personally had to apply to over 3000 jobs to get an internship and full time job. And this is exactly why, I provide all my resources and information for free. and I hope that even 1% of this can help you in your career. At the same time, I do this all by myself and don’t have anyone to help or any marketing budget to work with. So, if you found this article helpful, consider supporting me by making a donation through buymeacoffee , becoming a paid member of substack or susbcribing to my Youtube page.
State wise WARN NOTICE: In most cases, it only applies for 50+ job losses
Alabama : Link
Alaska : Link
Arizona : Link
Arkansas : Link
California : Link
Colorado : Link
Connecticut : Link
Delaware : Link
Florida : Link
Georgia : Link
Hawaii: Link
Idaho: Link
Illinois: Link
Indiana: Link
Iowa: Link
Kansas: Link
Kentucky: Link
Louisiana: Link
Maine: Link
Maryland: Link
Massachusetts: Link
Michigan: Link
Minnesota: Link
Mississippi: Link
Missouri: Link
Montana: Link
Nebraska: Link
Nevada: Link
New Hampshire: Link
New Jersey: Link
New Mexico: Link
New York: Link
North Carolina: Link
North Dakota: Link
Ohio: Link
Oklahoma: Link
Oregon: Link
Pennsylvania: Link
Rhode Island: Link
South Carolina: Link
South Dakota: Link
Tennessee: Link
Texas: Link
Utah: Link
Vermont: Link
Virginia: Link
Washington : Link
West Virginia: Link
Wisconsin: Link
Wyoming: Link
STOP F1 CLOCK
1. Ask Your Professors for Volunteer RA (Research Assistant) Positions
How it works:
If your professor can offer you an unpaid research assistantship related to your field of study, this can qualify as valid OPT employment, even if unpaid.
Steps:
Email professors in your department or lab where you worked during your degree.
Clearly state that you're on OPT and looking for an unpaid opportunity that counts toward your OPT status.
Request a formal offer letter or confirmation of duties, hours, and how it relates to your degree.
Important Notes:
The job must be directly related to your degree.
You must work at least 20 hours per week.
Keep documentation, including a job description and supervisor contact.
Email Template you can use to send to Professor
Dear Dr. [Professor’s Last Name],
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to express my interest in assisting with your research as a volunteer research assistant. As you may know, I’m currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT), and USCIS allows volunteer work related to one’s field of study to count toward maintaining valid F-1 status, provided it is at least 20 hours per week.
Given your expertise in [mention relevant topic or lab area], I would be grateful for the opportunity to contribute to your ongoing work. My academic background in [Your Major] has equipped me with skills in [mention specific relevant skills or tools], and I’d be glad to support your projects in any way that’s helpful—whether that involves literature reviews, data analysis, participant recruitment, or other tasks.
If a position is available, I’d be happy to provide any documents or additional details needed. I would also need a brief letter confirming my role and weekly hours to meet immigration reporting requirements.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I genuinely enjoyed [mention relevant past experience, e.g., your class or prior lab work] and would be excited to stay engaged in acade
Reach Out to Nonprofits in Your Area
How it works:
Volunteering at a non-profit or community organization can qualify as valid OPT activity if:
The work is related to your field.
You work at least 20 hours/week.
The organization provides documentation of your role.
Steps:
Identify local nonprofits or NGOs working in your field (e.g., if you studied psychology, look for mental health orgs).
Send a tailored email offering your time and skills.
Explain your OPT status and ask if they can provide a structured volunteer opportunity.
Important Notes:
It can’t just be general volunteering (like soup kitchens)—it must align with your academic training.
Must be structured and documented with supervisor details.mic research.
6 Non profits
1. Tech for Good / Catchafire
https://www.catchafire.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Web development, data analysis, software support for nonprofits.
How it helps: Offers remote projects that align with tech skills; document hours and deliverables.
2. Code for America / Code for All Brigades
https://www.codeforamerica.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Civic tech projects, app development, UX/UI design, data visualization.
How it helps: Partner with local brigades to build public service tools.
3. Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team (HOT)
https://www.hotosm.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Tech-driven mapping, GIS, software development for humanitarian aid.
How it helps: Global impact + skill alignment in mapping, data, and remote sensing.
4. DataKind
https://www.datakind.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Data science, ML, analytics for social good (partnered NGOs).
How it helps: Great for data analysts and ML engineers; projects are professional and structured.
5. Develop for Good
https://www.developforgood.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Teams of students and early-career technologists build software for nonprofits.
How it helps: Matches you to a project where you can get a letter of participation and document time.
6. TechSoup / NetSquared
https://www.techsoup.org
Volunteer Opportunities: Support NGOs with IT setup, cloud tools, tech strategy, or coding.
How it helps: Offers long-term, skills-based volunteering options, especially if you're in systems, IT, or dev.
Email Template
I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Full Name], and I recently graduated with a degree in [Your Major] from [Your University]. I’m currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and am seeking a volunteer opportunity related to my field of study that allows me to apply my skills while supporting a meaningful cause.
I’m especially inspired by [mention something specific about their mission or a recent project]. I would love to contribute as a [specific role you’re interested in: e.g., data analyst, web developer, UX designer, etc.], supporting your team in [mention a relevant area: e.g., improving digital platforms, analyzing impact data, etc.].
As per USCIS guidelines, volunteer work that is 20+ hours per week and directly related to my academic background can count toward maintaining my F-1 status. If an opportunity is available, I’d be grateful for the chance to speak further and can provide any documentation or details needed. I would also require a brief letter confirming the nature of my volunteer work, role, and hours for reporting purposes.
Thank you for considering my inquiry. I’d be honored to use my skills in support of your mission and would be happy to provide a resume or portfolio if helpful.
Start Your Own LLC
How it works:
USCIS permits self-employment during OPT. You can start your own business (LLC or sole proprietorship), provided the work relates to your field and meets the following:
Requirements:
You must register your LLC legally.
You must work full-time (20+ hours/week) in your business.
Your business activities must be related to your field of study.
Keep detailed records of work, clients, hours, and services.
Ideally, have a business website, invoices, or contracts to show activity.
Steps:
Choose a business name and register your LLC in your state.
Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS.
Develop your service/product offering based on your degree (e.g., psychology grad offering mental wellness workshops or research consulting).
Log your time and activities weekly.
Keep all documentation in case of a USCIS audit.
Important Notes:
This option gives you flexibility but also requires diligence in maintaining compliance.
You don’t need to make a profit, but must show active business engagement.
H1B COUNTDOWN
Change of Status to F-1 (Student Visa)
Purpose: To begin a program of study and remain legally in the U.S.
How it works:
Apply to a SEVP-certified school (e.g., university or community college).
Once accepted, get a Form I-20 from the school.
File Form I-539 to request a COS from H-1B to F-1 before day 60.
Pros:
Lets you remain legally while studying.
Eventually allows for CPT/OPT, which can lead back to work or H-1B.
Cons:
Must be a full-time student.
You may need to wait several months for approval, and cannot work until eligible CPT/OPT begins.
Colleges offering Day 1 CPT :
West Coast
Westcliff University (CA, FL, TX) – Offers STEM master's (IT, CS, MBA) with CPT integrated.
Sofia University (CA) – STEM programs: MSCS, Data Analytics MBA.
Humphreys University (CA) – MBA (IT) CPT-enabled. Affordable tuition.
California Institute of Advanced Management (CIAM) – MBA CPT programs.
Midwest
Indiana Wesleyan University (IN) – STEM programs (MSAI, IT, Data Analytics).
National Louis University (Chicago, IL) – STEM: Business Analytics MS.
Ottawa University (KS, AZ, WI) – STEM-certified EMBA.
Northeast
New England College (NH) – Executive STEM master’s in Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, etc.
Monroe College (NY) – STEM MBA & MSCS with CPT options; located near NYC.
Harrisburg University (PA) – STEM MS programs in Analytics, CS, Healthcare, Cybersecurity.
McDaniel College (MD) – MS Data Analytics. Affordable option.
Saint Peter’s University (NJ) – MS in Data Science & Business Analytics (STEM).
Goldey-Beacom College (DE) – MBA, MS Finance, Management (affordable per credit).
South
Tennessee Wesleyan University (TN) – STEM MBA/MSPM/MSBA.
Texas Wesleyan University (TX) – CPT-enabled graduate programs.
Dallas Baptist University (TX) – STEM: MS IT & Management, MBA.
Key Considerations
Legitimacy: Make sure the program has genuine academic structure—online-only or low onsite days can raise red flags.
Timeliness: Timing is essential—CPT authorization often takes 5–15 business days after application.
STEM vs Non-STEM: STEM programs offer up to 3 years of post-graduation OPT; non-STEM only 1 year. But extensive full-time CPT (>12 months) may reduce OPT eligibility.
CPT approval not automatic: Even in Day 1 CPT programs, DSO review and program documentation matter.
If married to H1B spouse
Change of Status to H-4 (Spouse of H-1B)
If your spouse is on an H-1B visa, you can switch to H-4 dependent status.
Requirements:
Your spouse must be in valid H-1B status.
You file Form I-539 for COS to H-4 before the 60 days are up.
Pros:
Keeps you legally in the U.S.
In some cases (e.g., if your spouse has an approved I-140), you may also work on an H-4 EAD.
Cons:
You cannot work without H-4 EAD.
Must wait for approval before starting a new job unless you later transfer back to H-1B.
OTHER OPTIONS
Change of Status to O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
If you have notable achievements in your field, you might qualify for an O-1 visa.
Requirements:
Demonstrated extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or arts.
Employer must file Form I-129 for you with supporting documentation.
Pros:
No cap limit like H-1B.
Can be faster if you qualify and file premium processing.
Cons:
Very high bar for approval (requires awards, publications, etc.).
Not suitable for most recent grads or junior professionals.