OPT
Optional Practical Training rules for F-1 graduates — 12-month OPT, 24-month STEM extension, application timelines, employer requirements, unemployment limits, and cap-gap provisions.
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
Visa Crackdowns and the 17% Fall in US International Student Enrollments
A 17% drop in new international student admissions reflects tougher visa reviews, processing delays and uncertainty about post-study work. Graduate and non-degree programs declined most, causing over $1.1 billion in…
Stricter U.S. Immigration Rules Drive 17% Drop in New Enrollments
For Fall 2025, new international enrollments fell ~17%, costing over $1.1 billion and about 23,000 jobs. Visa delays…
Why F-1, OPT, and H-1B Candidates Face Screening Before Skills
Automated hiring filters flag candidates who need sponsorship, excluding many F-1, OPT, STEM OPT and H-1B applicants before…
December Travel Docs for F-1 Students, H-1B Professionals
Holiday travel to the U.S. requires early, organized document preparation. F‑1 students need timely I‑20 signatures; H‑1B professionals…
Schmitt backs overhaul of OPT, seeks end to post-graduate visas
Sen. Eric Schmitt pressed DHS to reform or end OPT, which permits F‑1 graduates up to 12 months…
Missouri Senator Seeks OPT Overhaul, Calls It a Cheap Labor Pipeline
Senator Eric Schmitt urged DHS to end or reform OPT on November 15, 2025, calling it a cheap-labor…
OPT Restrictions: H.R. 2315 Could End the OPT Program
OPT remains available in 2026, but H.R. 2315 could end it while a bipartisan bill seeks to protect…
Future of OPT: International Students and U.S. Universities Must Do
OPT and its STEM-OPT extension face possible elimination or restriction via H.R. 2315 and DHS rulemaking. Ending FICA…
Is SEVP Back to Normal Operations After the Shutdown?
Because SEVP is fee-funded, it stayed operational through the shutdown. Schools and AILA reported uninterrupted SEVIS access, continued…
What International Students Should Do If OPT Is Delayed by a Shutdown
Shutdown-related slowdowns are delaying physical EAD and SSN cards after online OPT approvals, pushing back F‑1 students’ start…