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
DHS Ending EAD Extensions Oct 30, 2025: Which Visas Are Affected
Starting October 30, 2025, most automatic EAD extensions end. File renewals up to 180 days early to reduce work authorization gaps; some TPS exceptions remain. H-1B workers unaffected.
Tax Checklist for F-1/OPT Students with Indian Bank Accounts
F-1 students usually remain nonresident aliens for five years and must file Form 8843; earning U.S. income requires…
DUI Could Put OPT Extensions and H-1B Processing in Limbo
A DUI arrest can freeze OPT extensions, slow or block H-1B processing, and risk visa refusal or revocation.…
US OPT Students Face Tax Changes, FICA Exemption on the Line
Two pending bills—the OPT Fair Tax Act and Dignity Act of 2025—would end FICA exemption for OPT, making…
UK Graduate Route: Key Features, Eligibility, and Post-Study Options
The Graduate Route lets international graduates work in the UK for two years (three for PhD) without sponsorship.…
H-1B Revocation Triggers F-1 Auto-Termination: A Cautionary Case
An August 29, 2025 employer-filed H-1B revocation led to SEVIS auto-termination, ending a recent graduate's OPT and F-1…
Three Key F-1 Visa Policy Changes You Must Know Now
A US$100,000 fee will apply to H-1B filings made abroad after late September 2025, while in‑U.S. change-of-status petitions…
Top Immigration Stories of 2025: Global Visa and Policy Roundup
2025 saw the U.S. impose a $100,000 one-time fee on new overseas H-1B filings with in-country exemptions, plus…
F-1 to H-1B Change of Status: No $100,000 Fee for In-US Filings
The $100,000 surcharge applies mainly to H‑1B petitions filed from abroad, effective Sept 21, 2025. F‑1 students in…
Amazon’s 2025 HR Cuts: Stakes for H-1B, OPT, and Global Talent
Amazon’s 2025 cuts target HR/PXT, risking 1,500–2,000 roles as it shifts to AI and cloud. H‑1B holders have…