I graduated in December 2025 after five years in the U.S. Finding a job was hard but I finally got an RN position at a nearby hospital. Because nursing does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension, my work authorization expires this coming December. My employer was willing to sponsor me through Schedule A / PERM for a green card, but I didn't fully understand what all it took. I mistakenly assumed the filing process would bridge the gap before my OPT ran out. In these five years, I built an entire life in the USA and I worked very hard. So so hard. Now it feels like all that hard work is now going to be placed in packing boxes.

• Student