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
Homeland Security Proposes Fixed Visa Terms, Threatening Optional Practical Training
DHS proposes replacing 'duration of status' with fixed stay limits for F, J, and I visas in 2026, requiring formal USCIS extensions for longer degrees.
USCIS Runs Beneficiary-Centric H-1B Lottery, Cutting Duplicates as Demand Persists
USCIS adopts a beneficiary-centric H-1B lottery for 2026, reducing duplicate registrations and focusing on case quality over registration…
F-1 Students Risk Losing STEM OPT by Misreporting Self-Employment in SEVIS
Learn how F-1 students can use self-employment and consulting to maintain OPT status and stay within the 90-day…
USCIS Backlog Freezes 12,000 Students as STEM OPT Extension and OPT Adjudications Stall
International students in 2026 face OPT delays and rising fees, making immigration timing a critical factor for job…
Microsoft Layoff Forces Indian Tech Worker Home as F-1-To-H-1B Visa Path Falters
Indian tech workers are leaving the U.S. for India to escape visa instability and job insecurity following layoffs,…
House Republicans Propose 3-Year H-1B Pause and $200,000 Salary Rule in 2026
Rep. Eli Crane proposes the End H-1B Visa Abuse Act of 2026, seeking a 3-year visa pause and…
Stanford Graduate Builds Six-Figure PR Firm Under F-1 and OPT Work Rules
After failing to land a full-time job, Stanford graduate Ellen Yang built Punctuation PR into a six-figure agency.…
Trump Administration Intensifies Surprise Site Checks on 100,000 OPT Students
The Trump administration expands OPT oversight with unannounced residence visits and stricter 2026 reporting rules to protect the…
Senator Eric Schmitt Urges Homeland Security to Review Optional Practical Training Rules
U.S. lawmakers clash over the OPT program, debating whether to codify post-graduate work rights into law or terminate…
$100,000 H-1B Fee Fails to Cut Visa Numbers, Analyst John Miano Says
The $100,000 H-1B fee targets overseas hires, shifting demand toward domestic candidates while keeping the annual 85,000 visa…