International students in the United States 🇺🇸, especially those on F-1 visas using Optional Practical Training (OPT), are increasingly worried about revealing their F-1 status to employers. As of August 2025, many students feel they must hide their visa status to avoid losing job offers or facing discrimination. This trend is fueled by stricter immigration enforcement, employer reluctance to sponsor visas, and new policy changes that make the rules around F-1 status and Employment Authorization less clear.
OPT and F-1 Status: What’s Happening Now
OPT lets F-1 students work in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 12 months after graduation. Those with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) can apply for an extra 24 months. To use OPT, students must keep their F-1 status valid and cannot start working until they get their Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD is an official card that proves they are allowed to work. Students apply for the EAD using Form I-765, which is available on the USCIS website.
Recently, the U.S. government has increased checks on international students. Both U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have taken more action against students who do not follow the rules. If students do not report their employment on time or if their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record is terminated, they risk losing their F-1 status or even being deported. ICE has warned that students who do not report their jobs within 15 days could face removal from the country.
Rising SEVIS Terminations and Visa Revocations
In 2025, more F-1 students have seen their SEVIS records terminated or their visas revoked. Sometimes, these actions are based on minor or even unproven criminal background checks, or just administrative decisions. When this happens, it is not always clear if the student still has F-1 status or if they can keep working on OPT. Courts have not given clear answers, which leaves both students and employers unsure about what to do.
One student, who asked not to be named, shared, “I was told my SEVIS record was terminated because of a paperwork mistake. Now, I don’t know if I can keep my job or if I have to leave the country.” This uncertainty makes it hard for students to plan their futures and for employers to know if they can keep these workers.
Employer Reluctance and Student Fears
Many employers in the United States 🇺🇸 are hesitant to hire international students. They worry about the paperwork and possible problems with visas, especially after the OPT period ends. It is legal for employers to decide not to interview or hire students who will need visa sponsorship in the future. They can also take back job offers if they later find out about the need for sponsorship.
Because of this, some students feel forced to hide their F-1 status or not mention their OPT participation when applying for jobs. They fear that if they are honest, they will lose out on opportunities. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this trend is growing, and it puts students in a difficult position. “I didn’t want to lie, but I was afraid I’d lose the job if I told them I was on OPT,” said another student.
Strict Deadlines and Procedures
For students who want to apply for OPT or the STEM OPT extension, there are strict deadlines. For example, Spring 2025 graduates had to submit their OPT applications by July 23, 2025. Processing times for OPT and STEM OPT are about 14 business days, but delays can happen if the application is incomplete. Students who delay graduation or do not request a Change of Level I-20 when starting a new program can also risk losing their F-1 status.
The Study in the States OPT Guidance page provides detailed instructions on how to apply and what steps to follow. University international student offices also offer support, but students must be careful to follow every rule to avoid problems.
What This Means for Students and Employers
For Students:
– Keep F-1 status valid and report all employment on time to avoid SEVIS termination or visa revocation.
– Apply early for OPT and STEM OPT extensions to prevent gaps in Employment Authorization.
– Be aware of the risks of hiding visa status. Not telling the truth can lead to legal trouble or losing a job if the employer finds out later.
– Seek legal advice if facing SEVIS termination or any criminal background issues that could affect status.
For Employers:
– It is legal to refuse to hire or sponsor international students, but employers must not discriminate based on nationality.
– Understand OPT and STEM OPT rules to make informed hiring decisions and support international employees.
– Be aware of the uncertainty around students with terminated SEVIS records, as this can affect their ability to work.
Expert and Stakeholder Views
Former USCIS officials stress that students must keep their status and be careful with background checks and paperwork. Immigration lawyers say the rules around SEVIS terminations are not clear and want more guidance from USCIS and ICE. University international student offices remind students to apply for OPT on time and follow all reporting rules. Advocacy groups worry that the fear of losing jobs is stopping international students from seeking work and want better education for employers and clearer policies.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
OPT has helped international students gain work experience in the United States 🇺🇸 since the late 1990s. The STEM OPT extension was added in 2008 to keep talented workers in science and technology fields. Over the years, the government has made the rules stricter, especially about reporting and following the rules. The COVID-19 pandemic made things even more complicated, with new policies and more enforcement. Now, students are more worried than ever about losing their status or being forced to leave the country.
Looking Ahead: What Might Change?
USCIS and ICE are expected to give clearer rules about SEVIS terminations and who can work on OPT. There may also be more programs to help employers understand the rules and reduce discrimination against international students. Some groups are pushing for new laws or rules to make OPT and STEM OPT easier and safer for students, but as of August 2025, nothing has been announced.
Practical Tips for Students
- Apply for OPT as soon as possible after graduation. Do not wait until the last minute.
- Keep all documents up to date, including your I-20, EAD, and SEVIS records.
- Report your employment within 15 days to avoid problems with ICE.
- Talk to your university’s international student office if you have questions or concerns.
- If you face SEVIS termination or visa revocation, get legal help right away.
- Be honest with employers about your visa status, but also be prepared to explain what OPT is and how it works.
Practical Tips for Employers
- Learn about OPT and STEM OPT so you can make informed decisions when hiring international students.
- Ask clear questions about work authorization, but avoid questions about nationality or citizenship.
- Support international hires by helping them understand your company’s policies and what documents they need.
- Stay updated on changes to immigration rules that could affect your employees.
Where to Find Official Information
- For the official OPT application form (Form I-765), visit the USCIS website.
- For detailed OPT guidance, check the Study in the States OPT Guidance.
- For information about SEVIS and student visas, visit ICE SEVIS and Student Visa Information.
- University international student offices, such as UT Dallas ISSO, can provide help and referrals to legal experts.
Conclusion: What Should Students and Employers Do Now?
The current climate makes it hard for international students to feel safe and confident about their future in the United States 🇺🇸. The pressure to hide F-1 status or OPT participation is real, but it can lead to bigger problems down the road. Students should focus on keeping their status valid, following all rules, and seeking help when needed. Employers should learn about the rules and support their international hires. By working together and staying informed, both students and employers can reduce risks and make the most of the opportunities that OPT and F-1 status provide.
As the situation continues to change, staying updated with official sources and seeking advice from experts will be key. For now, honesty, preparation, and careful attention to deadlines and rules remain the best ways for students and employers to succeed.
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