OPT
Get the latest on OPT for graduates – essential tips, application guidelines, and updates on work permits for international students in the U.S.
Beyond H-1B: Diversifying U.S. Career Paths for Indian Students
Facing tougher H-1B odds, Indian students are relying on OPT and STEM OPT as core strategies, supplemented by cap-exempt H-1B, advanced degrees, L-1 transfers, and O-1 paths. Early planning, employer…
H-1B $100K Fee Spurs OPT-Driven Bypass to Hire Foreign Talent
A $100,000 annual fee on new H-1B petitions starts September 21, 2025; employers increasingly favor OPT—no cap, no…
Banks Proposes American Tech Workforce Act to Raise H-1B Wages
Sen. Jim Banks’ American Tech Workforce Act (Sept. 17, 2025) would raise H‑1B wages to at least $110,000,…
American Tech Workforce Act: End OPT and H-1B Lottery
The American Tech Workforce Act would eliminate OPT, raise H-1B salary floors to around $110,000 (potentially higher), and…
OPT Under Fire: Lawmakers Move to Eliminate Post-Study Work
OPT and the STEM OPT extension remain active but face possible termination through legislation and tighter oversight. In…
USCIS Destruction of OPT EAD Card Before Delivery Raises Alarm
A 2025 USCIS processing error printed a July 15 start date on an EAD despite August 13 OPT…
UC International Services to Host Co-op Workshops for F-1 Students
UC International Services warns that CPT must appear on your I-20 before starting any required off-campus co-op; over…
U.S. Talent at Crossroads: International Students Face Slowdown in August 2025
August 2025’s weak payroll growth and 4.3% unemployment are tightening opportunities for international students on OPT. File Form…
From OPT to EB-5: Indian Students Seek Fast-Track to Green Card
Faced with H-1B lottery uncertainty and long Green Card backlogs, many Indian students are using EB-5—investing $800,000 or…
STEM OPT Surges 54% in 2024, Indians Lead with Almost Half of Approvals
STEM OPT approvals surged 54% in 2024, totaling 95,384 of 194,554 OPT authorizations; India received about 79,331 approvals…