Just Lost My IT Job Now What

Amazon has announced it is suspending new US Green Card applications for foreign workers as outlined in this recent Business Insider Article. This has left many foreign IT professionals reeling as they reevaluate their options and consider their future in the United States. Due to new complexities introduced to the corporate-sponsored green card process, the tech industry was hit with multiple layoffs this last year. In particular, the PERM (Permanent Labor Certification) process has become more complicated and takes longer than ever before. For most workers the Labor Certification is the first step to securing permanent residency status in the U.S. However, the good news is that the U.S. government is aware of this and has provided some relief. The USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) has expanded the opportunities it offers for STEM degree graduates. This expansion includes an additional 22 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for STEM graduates, allowing skilled tech workers to work in the US for a longer period of time. So, what can seasoned IT workers do to find some stability in this situation? Instead of relying on corporate sponsorship, they can consider some of the following employment opportunities:

Entrepreneurship

Upwork and Freelancer are some new freelance platforms allowing experienced IT professionals to offer their services directly to clients. It can be difficult at the start to secure your first clients, but eventually, it can lead to a steady income with significant personal independence. IT experts can also use services such as Squarespace or Shopify to create online shops where they can sell their products. Some products include mobile applications, plugins, templates, and even newer tech like AI chatbots or IoT devices. For instance, an experienced IT expert specialized in machine learning could build AI-based instruments for businesses or create a mobile app for healthcare workers.

Independent Consulting

Another potential path for IT professionals is to leverage their network and industry knowledge to provide consulting work. Consultants can help clients with things like their company’s IT strategy, advice on how to move services to the cloud, or by improving their cybersecurity.

Take, for example, a seasoned IT professional with a solid understanding of cloud tech. They could guide businesses through a complicated cloud migration or give them advice on how to secure their new cloud setups properly. Being a consultant also means a decent amount of control over one's projects, leading to a better work-life balance.

Online Education and Training

As online learning grows, experienced IT specialists have opportunities to craft and sell courses, ebooks, or tutorials on platforms like Udemy or Teachable. Consider an IT expert in Python programming. They might develop an online course focused on Python for data science or a series of tutorials on machine learning with TensorFlow. This approach allows them to share their expertise widely and work from virtually anywhere.

Freelance Writing and Content Creation

IT professionals can also channel their technical knowledge into their own personal brand of content creation. This might mean media forms such as blog posts, articles, or even books. But it can also mean YouTube videos, TikTok, or podcasting, earning revenue through ads, sponsored content, or affiliate links. It’s a tougher market to break into, but it can be quite lucrative if you are good at it. For instance, an IT expert in cybersecurity might start a blog to share tips on best practices or write a series of articles about AI-driven security technologies. Not only can they be more creative, but this career path can provide a steady and growing passive income through royalties over time.

Remote Work

The shift to remote work, accelerated by the pandemic, opens new doors for seasoned IT professionals. Platforms like Remote.co and FlexJobs offer numerous remote positions that don't always need corporate backing. A skilled IT worker may find remote opportunities in software development, project management, or as a cybersecurity consultant, as an example. Securing part-time employment also helps to uphold the validity of nonimmigrant employment visas, ensuring a continued lawful presence within the United States. This can help people to continue to stay in the U.S. until they find another full time position.

Contact our Irving, TX Immigration Lawyer

The recent expansion by USCIS to create more opportunities for STEM degree graduates offers a valuable chance for many skilled IT professionals to remain in the US. So, even though you might be disheartened by Amazon's pause on Green Card applications, don’t lose hope. Instead, see this as the perfect moment to rethink your career goals and explore more diverse opportunities. Be ready to adapt and thrive, and you’ll always be able to land on your feet. If you would like to discuss your plan moving forward, speak with our experienced Irving Green Card Attorney. You can call 214-609-2242 or fill out our online contact form.