Top Immigration Stories of 2025: Global Visa and Policy Roundup
2025 saw the U.S. impose a $100,000 one-time fee on new overseas H-1B filings with in-country exemptions, plus a $1,000 parole fee. Australia raised student visa costs to AUD 2,000…
OPT
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F-1 to H-1B Change of Status: No $100,000 Fee for In-US Filings
The $100,000 surcharge applies mainly to H‑1B petitions filed from abroad, effective Sept 21, 2025. F‑1 students in…
Amazon’s 2025 HR Cuts: Stakes for H-1B, OPT, and Global Talent
Amazon’s 2025 cuts target HR/PXT, risking 1,500–2,000 roles as it shifts to AI and cloud. H‑1B holders have…
OPT and STEM OPT in Peril: Indian Students Face New H-1B Rules
A $100,000 nonrefundable H-1B surcharge effective September 21, 2025, threatens OPT-to-H-1B conversions by raising employer costs. Caps remain…
OPT Under Fire: Indian Students Face Uncertainty Over Jobs and Status
A proposed $100,000 H‑1B fee, tougher DHS rules, and stepped-up enforcement are making OPT-to-H‑1B transitions riskier for Indian…
HUD Rule Bans FHA Loans for Non-Permanent Residents (H-1B/OPT)
Mortgagee Letter 2025-09 (March 26, 2025) excludes non‑permanent residents—including H-1B and OPT holders—from FHA loans. Mandatory for FHA…
Compact for Academic Excellence Remains Limited to Nine Institutions
The Compact for Academic Excellence would offer preferred federal funding to colleges that eliminate DEI, freeze undergraduate tuition…
Trump’s Tariffs and Immigration Policy: Global Trade and Jobs Outlook
Despite Trump’s tariffs, the global economy stayed resilient in 2025, with near‑3% GDP growth and rising trade. U.S.…
OPT Program Faces Termination Risk Amid 2025 Legislative Push
OPT remains in effect as of October 14, 2025, but faces possible termination under a new bill that…
F-1 OPT Student Stuck in SEVIS Termination After H-1B Withdrawal Delay
An F-1 OPT student with pending STEM extension faced SEVIS termination on October 1 after delayed USCIS confirmation…