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
Is the Indian American Dream Transforming Under Immigration Hurdles
A proposed $100,000 H‑1B supplementary fee, possible OPT restrictions, and long green card backlogs threaten Indian students and professionals, prompting employers and individuals to seek alternatives like Canada, Europe, or…
Why Ending OPT Could Outweigh the H-1B Fee in U.S. Tech
A $100,000 fee now applies to new H-1B petitions filed from outside the U.S., but exemptions for OPT-to-H-1B…
Grassley Demands End to OPT for F-1 Students Amid Tensions
Sen. Grassley urged DHS to end OPT work authorizations for F-1 students, threatening 12–36 month post-study work rights.…
New $100,000 H-1B Fee Threatens OPT Path for Indian Students
A new $100,000 fee applies to certain H-1B petitions for workers abroad starting September 21, 2025, for 12…
Dignity Act and HIRE Act: Higher FICA for OPT Wages
Congress is reviewing the Dignity Act, ending FICA exemptions for OPT students, and the HIRE Act, adding a…
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…
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…