OPT
Get the latest on OPT for graduates – essential tips, application guidelines, and updates on work permits for international students in the U.S.
OPT Program Faces Termination Risk Amid 2025 Legislative Push
OPT remains in effect as of October 14, 2025, but faces possible termination under a new bill that would require congressional authorization and could remove FICA exemptions. Enforcement tightened in…
F-1 OPT Student Stuck in SEVIS Termination After H-1B Withdrawal Delay
An F-1 OPT student with pending STEM extension faced SEVIS termination on October 1 after delayed USCIS confirmation…
Is America Still the Land of Opportunity for Immigrants in 2025?
The U.S. still offers top universities and market scale, but 2025 immigration proposals—huge H-1B fees, caps, and OPT…
How OPT Restrictions Could Shatter International Students’ U.S. Dreams
2025 proposals could limit OPT by instituting fixed F‑1 stays, employer fees, wage‑based selection, and FICA taxation. These…
F-1 OPT to H-1B COS: Laid Off After 2 Days—Now What?
After an approved F-1 OPT → H-1B effective October 1, 2025, the worker was laid off October 3,…
US OPT Scams: Unpaid Work Triggers F-1 Visa Panic Today
Authorities are auditing OPT and STEM OPT employers after scams involving fake payrolls and unpaid work. STEM 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…
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…
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…
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…