New Mexico Governor Backs Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Under One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Educator Groups Object
New Mexico has joined the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which begins January 1, 2027. Eligible donors can claim up to $1,700 individually or...
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
Wisconsin $2.7 Billion Tax Cut Could Save a Waiter $716 Per Year
Forward Analytics estimates Wisconsin would forgo $2.7 billion over ten years if it exempted tips and overtime from…
OPT Fee Proposal: What the $70,000 School Fee Would Mean and How to Comment by November 9
Initial OPT Fee $70,000 per student Subsequent Fee $30,000 incl. STEM OPT Comment Deadline Nov 9, 2026 Docket…
New OPT-Fee Rule Spares Current Holders from $70,000 Fee at SEVP-Certified School
The Department of Homeland Security’s proposed OPT-fee rule would spare students already approved for Optional Practical Training, or…
Will Universities Pass Proposed $70,000 OPT Fee to F-1 Students Seeking STEM OPT Extension?
The Department of Homeland Security’s proposal would let universities shift some or all of a new OPT charge…
Proposed OPT Fee Could Cost $100,000 for Students at Any SEVP-Certified School Under New DHS Rule
A DHS proposal would charge SEVP-certified schools $70,000 for a student’s first OPT recommendation and $30,000 for a…
DHS Invites Feedback on OPT Fee Proposal, with Fees Deposited to U.S. Treasury
DHS has proposed new Optional Practical Training charges that schools, rather than students, would pay: $70,000 for an…
DHS OPT Fee Proposal Nears End of Public Comment
DHS proposed charging schools $70,000 for a student’s first OPT recommendation and $30,000 for each later one, including…
CBDT Extends Income Tax Audit Report Deadline to October 21, ITR Filing to November 21
For Assessment Year 2026-27, the CBDT extended the audit report and ITR deadlines by 21 days for a…
IRS Notice IR-2026-110 Extends Tax Relief Replacement Period for Drought-Hit Farmers
The IRS extended drought tax relief for qualifying livestock producers under IR-2026-110. Eligible farmers and ranchers may now…