F1Visa

Latest in F1Visa

214(b) Denials Despite Strong Profiles: Lessons from Indian Students

Two funded Indian applicants were denied F-1 visas under 214(b) after consular officers doubted their intent to return. Credibility, mention…

USCIS Expands Unannounced Site Visits for H-1B and F-1 Workers

Effective January 17, 2025, DHS strengthened FDNS authority for surprise site visits of H-1B and F-1 (OPT/STEM OPT) cases. Officers…

Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Could Cripple the College-to-Career Pipeline

DHS proposes replacing the H-1B lottery with a wage-ranked selection across four bands, plus tighter specialty standards and a proposed…

Surprise FDNS Inspections Target F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Students

FDNS and ICE increased surprise inspections of F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT, checking I-983s, employment proof, and SEVIS records. Noncompliance…

14-Year Odyssey to U.S. Permanent Residency Highlights EB-1A Backlogs

After 14 years in the U.S. immigration system, Rajasegar obtained a Green Card via EB-1A in September 2025. His case—marked…

Is the Indian American Dream Transforming Under Immigration Hurdles

A proposed $100,000 H‑1B supplementary fee, possible OPT restrictions, and long green card backlogs threaten Indian students and professionals, prompting…

Why Ending OPT Could Outweigh the H-1B Fee in U.S. Tech

A $100,000 fee now applies to new H-1B petitions filed from outside the U.S., but exemptions for OPT-to-H-1B transitions keep…

Grassley Demands End to OPT for F-1 Students Amid Tensions

Sen. Grassley urged DHS to end OPT work authorizations for F-1 students, threatening 12–36 month post-study work rights. Universities, employers,…