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
OPT and STEM OPT in Peril: Indian Students Face New H-1B Rules
A $100,000 nonrefundable H-1B surcharge effective September 21, 2025, threatens OPT-to-H-1B conversions by raising employer costs. Caps remain unchanged, wage-based selection is under discussion, and lawsuits are pending. Students and…
OPT Under Fire: Indian Students Face Uncertainty Over Jobs and Status
A proposed $100,000 H‑1B fee, tougher DHS rules, and stepped-up enforcement are making OPT-to-H‑1B transitions riskier for Indian…
HUD Rule Bans FHA Loans for Non-Permanent Residents (H-1B/OPT)
Mortgagee Letter 2025-09 (March 26, 2025) excludes non‑permanent residents—including H-1B and OPT holders—from FHA loans. Mandatory for FHA…
Compact for Academic Excellence Remains Limited to Nine Institutions
The Compact for Academic Excellence would offer preferred federal funding to colleges that eliminate DEI, freeze undergraduate tuition…
Trump’s Tariffs and Immigration Policy: Global Trade and Jobs Outlook
Despite Trump’s tariffs, the global economy stayed resilient in 2025, with near‑3% GDP growth and rising trade. 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…
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,…