COVID-19 - Should I start applying for other jobs having accepted a post-doc verbal offer months ago? I accepted a verbal post-doc offer from my future PI through email in late January. The university has asked me to fill out some forms for paperwork and visa application from time to time since then (the position is in the US and I need to apply for a J1 visa for it) but I never received an official offer.

Unfortunately, all US visa services have been halt due to COVID-19. I am really unsure when I will be able to start the visa application and when I may enter the US. The planned starting date was in April which is definitely impossible now -- I do not know how long the PI is willing to hold the position for me. Given all this uncertainty (also chaos from recent family issues), I am reconsidering applying for some local jobs.


I know that in the industry, it is commonly advised to continue looking without a written offer. Is this also the case in academia?
Will it be unethical to start looking, potentially rescinding my acceptance of the verbal offer if I secured another one? I have not signed anything and the circumstances are quite special, but breaking a commitment feels wrong. I do not know if this will burn bridges with the PI.


What will you do if you were in my shoes? Any advice will be much appreciated.
You should only accept formal written offers.  If you follow that practice, you will never be in this situation.  

Since it is too late for that, you should request a formal written offer immediately.  Yes, you should look for alternate employment.  There are several possibilities:


You never get the formal offer.  In this case, get a job elsewhere.
You get the offer and can start the job.  Then start the job.
You get the offer and cannot start the job because you cannot get a visa.  Since you do not have a visa, even if you accept the offer the agreement is invalid.  Find a job elsewhere.
You do not get the offer, but do get a job elsewhere.  In this case, inform the university that, if you do not get the offer in a reasonable period of time, you will no longer be available.
You get a job elsewhere, and after a long time you get the written offer and visa.  Now you have the opportunity to experience both jobs!