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.…
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)…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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.…
New $100,000 H-1B Fee Sparks Travel Caution for Indian Students on OPT
A new $100,000 fee applies to certain H-1B petitions for workers abroad starting September 21, 2025, for 12…
CA, NY, MA Most Vulnerable to International Enrollment Decline
Brookings finds California, New York, and Massachusetts most exposed to declines in international student enrollment. International students added…
Dignity Act and HIRE Act: Higher FICA for OPT Wages
Congress is reviewing the Dignity Act, ending FICA exemptions for OPT students, and the HIRE Act, adding a…
What US Citizens Educated in India Should Know About Benefits
Children born in India to a U.S. citizen keep U.S. citizenship if the parent met physical presence rules.…
Choosing CBSE, ICSE, or IB in India Based on Child’s College Path
Choose a board based on college goals: CBSE for Indian entrance exams, ICSE for English and academic depth,…
Understanding the Full Documentation Process for Transferring US K-12 Students to Indian Schools
To enroll children from the US in Indian schools, parents should compile authenticated transcripts, transfer certificates, and ID…