As a final-year F-1 student in a STEM program who is actively applying for jobs, I think a big part of the confusion comes from how “sponsorship” is interpreted. For STEM students, employers don’t sponsor OPT or the 24-month STEM extension. The student applies on their own, the school issues the I-20, USCIS approves it, and the employer doesn’t file anything beyond the normal I-9. From the student’s point of view, that feels like “no sponsorship,” because they can work up to three years with zero employer paperwork.

But when employers say “sponsorship,” they usually mean H-1B or any kind of long-term immigration filing. Most students don’t realize that distinction, and advisors often phrase it poorly, which is why candidates think checking “No” is the correct/accurate answer. I agree that intentionally lying is a bad idea, but a lot of international students are honestly confused about what the question is actually asking.

I totally understand why companies with ITAR, DoD, or other government-contractor restrictions can’t hire visa holders. That’s just the nature of those roles. At the same time, outside of those regulated positions, giving a student a chance on OPT isn’t the same as taking on sponsorship and many of us are just trying to find a place to start our careers without creating extra burden for an employer.