Optional Practical Training faces stricter checks for foreign graduates
OPT permits F-1 students to work up to 12 months post-graduation, with a 24-month STEM extension. In May…
US Tech Companies Reduce Hiring of H-1B Visa Holders and OPT Graduates
H-1B visa approvals declined sharply among US tech firms, amid over 300,000 layoffs and new immigration rules taking…
Indian visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan drop sharply after diplomatic row
A 42% drop in Indian visa applications to Turkey and Azerbaijan occurred after diplomatic tensions, especially among young…
STEM OPT Crisis leaves international students facing visa status loss
In 2025, U.S. STEM OPT faces unprecedented SEVIS terminations and visa denials. Administrative mistakes, employer non-compliance, and minor…
Visa Violations Risk Rises Without Proper Work Authorization for International Students
CPT and OPT allow international students in the U.S. to gain professional experience but require strict compliance with…
F-1 Students: How to Work Legally This Summer with OPT or CPT
F-1 Students must get CPT or OPT approval for summer off-campus jobs—paid or unpaid. CPT is school-approved; OPT…
EB2 green card process can begin while on OPT, experts say
OPT holders may start the EB2 green card process with employer support. Approved I-140 doesn’t skip the H-1B…
F-1 Students: Summer Work Rules for OPT and CPT Explained
F-1 students seeking summer off-campus work must use CPT or OPT and get proper approval first. Each program…
F-1 OPT job market hurdles lead Indian students to consider returning home
Indian students on F-1 OPT often return to India due to tight U.S. job markets, scarce H-1B visas,…
F-1 Student Work Authorization: CPT vs OPT and SEVIS Rules
A comprehensive guide for F-1 students on navigating CPT and OPT work authorizations, reporting requirements, and maintaining legal…
Off-Campus Employment Rules: Why International Students Need OPT and CPT
Off-campus employment in the U.S. for F-1 international students requires CPT or OPT authorization. Working without permission risks…
OPT workers face layoffs that may threaten H-1B visa hopes
Rising layoffs in 2025 severely challenge OPT workers, whose legal stay in the U.S. depends on rapid re-employment…
Missing STEM OPT Validation Reports can risk your F-1 status
Missing a 6- or 12-month STEM OPT Validation Report can terminate your F-1 status and work rights. SEVIS…
US court orders temporary reinstatement for international students stripped of status
A surge in SEVIS terminations has stripped over 1,100 U.S. international students of legal status since March 2025.…