OPT
Optional Practical Training rules for F-1 graduates — 12-month OPT, 24-month STEM extension, application timelines, employer requirements, unemployment limits, and cap-gap provisions.
Top questions about OPT
Answers from VisaVerge guidesWhat is the impact of USCIS policy changes on Indian students applying for OPT and H-1B visas?
Due to green card backlogs, especially for Indian nationals, the process from F-1 student visa to OPT to H-1B work visa can take many years.
Read: Indian Student Shares Raw Reality of Studying and Surviving in USHow can international students prepare for potential changes in educational policies while on OPT?
Students should consult with their DSO, seek legal advice, develop backup plans, build a strong network, and stay informed through official resources to navigate policy changes effectively.
Read: Managing OPT Employment Amidst Changes in Educational Policy: A Guide for International StudentsWhat are some steps international students should take to manage employment amidst OPT policy changes?
International students should consult university resources, seek legal advice, connect with peers, stay updated through USCIS and SEVP websites, and be proactive in informing their employers about potential changes.
Read: Navigating OPT Changes: Managing Employment Amidst Educational Policy ImpactsWhat risks do Fall 2025/2026 students face regarding OPT in the U.S.?
Fall 2025/2026 students may face risks such as changes to 'duration of status' for F-1 students, a reduced grace period after study, and potential delays or denials in obtaining post-completion OPT due to proposed stricter rules by DHS.
Read: Fall 2025/2026 Study Plan: Prepare for OPT Uncertainty with BackupsWhat should international students and employers do during this period of uncertainty regarding OPT and STEM OPT programs?
Students should ensure their job descriptions align with their degree and keep detailed records organized for possible requests from the Designated School Official (DSO), SEVP, or USCIS. Employers should maintain clear reporting workflows and retain evidence of supervision, projects, and evaluations to reduce compliance risk.
Read: U.S. Reviews Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT Under America First Policy
Payrolls Split OPT and H-1B Wages to Apply FICA Exemptions Correctly
Learn how to manage FICA tax exemptions when switching from OPT to H-1B status in 2026 to avoid payroll errors and secure eligible refunds.
Five-Year F-1 Rule Ends Tax Exempt Status Even with Annual Form 8843 Filings
F-1 students must track the five-year rule for tax residency to avoid filing errors and ensure they report…
House Proposes American White-Collar Worker Jobs Act of 2026, Targets H-1B Green Cards and OPT
New 2026 bill proposes eliminating OPT and overhauling H-1B visas to prioritize high-wage workers, impacting the path to…
Late-Year H-1B Worker Faces Payroll Withholding, but Substantial Presence Test Guides Form 1040 Filing
H-1B workers must use the Substantial Presence Test, not W-2 withholding, to determine if they file Form 1040…
DHS Says 200,000+ H-1B Applicants Paid $100,000 Fast-Track Fee in FY2026
DHS reports over 200,000 H-1B applicants used the $100,000 fast-track route in 2026, sparking debate over visa equity…
How to Split Social Security and Medicare Tax When Switching F-1 OPT to H-1B in One Year
Learn how to manage F-1 to H-1B tax transitions, separate exempt FICA wages, and file for Social Security…
H-1B Lottery Shifts in Fiscal Year 2027, Favoring U.S. Master’s Degree Holders
H-1B registrations for FY 2027 dropped 38.5% as new wage-weighted rules and beneficiary-centric selection favor high-paid, advanced degree…
ICE Investigates Thousands of Foreign Students for Phantom Employees on Optional Practical Training
ICE investigates 10,000+ F-1 students for OPT fraud involving shell companies and phantom jobs, threatening their legal status…
ICE Targets OPT Fraud, Putting F-1 Students and Employers on Alert to Verify Form I-983
U.S. authorities intensify OPT fraud crackdowns. Students and employers must ensure real-time SEVIS accuracy to protect 2026 visa…
ICE Flags 10,000 Foreign Students in STEM OPT Visa Misuse Probe
ICE flags 10,000 students for OPT visa misuse in 2026, targeting shell companies and status violations. Affected F-1…