OPT
Latest in OPT
New $100,000 H-1B Fee Applies Only to Overseas Petitions
A $100,000 fee, effective September 21, 2025, applies only to new H‑1B petitions filed for beneficiaries outside the U.S. F‑1…
OPT and CPT in 2025: Key rules, STEM extensions, and tips
In 2025, CPT (DSO‑authorized, curriculum‑linked) and OPT (USCIS‑approved with EAD) remain key for F‑1 students. Avoid 12+ months full‑time CPT…
India Could Benefit as U.S. H-1B Fee Pushes Talent Home
The U.S. will impose a $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, exempting renewals. Experts…
Republicans Push to End F-1 Work Authorizations, Threatening OPT
Sen. Chuck Grassley urged DHS to end F-1 work authorizations, threatening OPT and related programs. OPT remains available (as of…
How International Students Subsidize U.S. Education—and the H-1B Crackdown
A proposed $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B petitions could deter international students, cut university revenues (potentially $3 billion), and…
Grassley Urges DHS to Stop F-1 Student Work Permits
Sen. Chuck Grassley urged DHS to end F-1 work permits under OPT, citing legal and security concerns. OPT allows 12…
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…
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…