From OPT, Day 1 CPT, H-1B to Green Card As An Indian Student

Write before we start: The content is contributed by Sai Sree on GoElite Forum.

As the next H-1B lottery season approaches, I want to share my story—not just as a reflection, but in the hope it offers insight or encouragement to others navigating the same path. Whether you're preparing your first lottery application or considering alternatives like Day 1 CPT, you’re not alone.

Starting the Journey

I came to the U.S. in 2012 to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science at a top-ranked university. Like many international students, I hoped to transition smoothly from OPT to H-1B and eventually secure permanent residency.

Before graduation, I was fortunate to land a full-time role, and my company agreed to enter me in the H-1B lottery. However, their immigration policy was clear: green card sponsorship would only be considered after obtaining an H-1B.

The Reality of the Lottery

I wasn’t selected in my first three lottery attempts. Each year brought anxiety, uncertainty, and frustration. Looking back, I sometimes wonder what might have happened if I had arrived a few years earlier—between 2010 and 2013, there was no lottery due to lower demand. But by 2014, the selection process had returned to a random draw with roughly a 50-60% chance, still significantly better than today’s odds.

After my third unsuccessful attempt, I knew I had to act. I gathered supporting documents and carefully built a case to persuade my employer to initiate the green card process, even without an H-1B. After a few meetings and a lot of follow-up, they agreed.

(If you're curious how I convinced my company and what documents I used, feel free to leave a comment, I’d be happy to write a detailed post.)

Balancing Plan A with Plan B

Despite moving forward with the PERM process, I still wasn’t selected in my fourth H-1B attempt. To avoid falling out of status, I enrolled in a Day 1 CPT program—an option that required a lot of explanation to my employer, but ultimately allowed me to remain employed and compliant while waiting for a breakthrough.

My Timeline at a Glance

• Mar 2014 – 1st H-1B lottery (Not selected)
• May 2014 – Graduated, began full-time OPT
• Mar 2015 – 2nd H-1B lottery (Not selected)
• Feb 2015 – Applied for STEM OPT Extension
• Jun 2015 – STEM OPT EAD card approved
• Mar 2016 – 3rd H-1B lottery (Not selected)
• Apr–Jul 2016 – Prepared & pitched green card case to employer
• Sep 2016 – Prevailing Wage Determination issued
• Nov 2016 – PERM filed
• Mar 2017 – 4th H-1B lottery (Not selected)
• Apr 2017 – PERM certified
• May 2017 – Enrolled in Day 1 CPT program
• Jun 2017 – I-140 filed
• Mar 2018 – I-140 approved + 5th H-1B lottery (Selected!)
• May 2018 – H-1B petition filed
• Aug 2018 – H-1B approved
• Oct 2018 – H-1B activated; exited CPT program
• Oct 2024 – H-1B extension granted

Looking Ahead

Though I’m still waiting to file my I-485 (my lawyer estimates at least five more years, given current USCIS backlogs), I feel deeply grateful—for the people who supported me, the lessons I’ve learned, and the resilience this journey demanded.

To anyone navigating the uncertainty of the H-1B process, Day 1 CPT, or employment-based green cards: don’t give up. Keep learning, exploring alternatives, and building your case. The path is rarely easy, but it’s still possible.

See the Original Post: https://forum.goelite.com/t/my-green-card-journey-as-an-indian/355

If you are facing struggles and have a lot of questions, you can discuss them with peers on the GoElite Forum!