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.
OPT Rules: Does the 5-Month Rule Apply to Remote Work from Different Country?
The 5-month rule for F-1 students mandates that a student's SEVIS record will be terminated if out of status or outside the U.S. for over five months, impacting OPT status.…
Relief for Indian Students Caught in US OPT Fraud Case
Indian international students impacted by an OPT Fraud now have second chance to work in US after sanctions…
Updating I-94 with New Passport Information on F1-OPT Status
To update your I-94 after renewing your passport on F1-OPT, follow the step-by-step process outlined by the U.S.…
Lost OPT Card: Steps to Replace It and Maintain Legal Status
Lost your OPT card? Don't panic. Avoid illegal status by applying for an OPT replacement. Know the process…
OPT Tax Filing Mistakes: Impact on H-1B Process – What You Need to Know!
Failure to file taxes during OPT could affect H-1B application. Ensure tax compliance to avoid complications in the…
OPT Validity After H1B Approval: What You Need to Know
After H1B approval, OPT status remains valid until the H1B effective start date, typically October 1. A cap-gap…
OPT Passport Renewal: Do You Need to Notify USCIS?
When on OPT, OPT Reporting Requirements mandate notifying USCIS on passport renewal to ensure compliance with visa regulations.
OPT Employment Rules: Can You Be a Paid Research Assistant on OPT?
OPT enables F-1 students to gain U.S. work experience relevant to their studies, such as paid research assistantships.…
F1 Visa Work Rules: Can Students Help with Family Business?
In 2025, F-1 Visa holders face stricter work and reporting rules. Helping at family businesses—paid or unpaid—often violates…
SCAM ALERT: USCIS Denies Visas Linked to APEX IT Systems Delaware Fraud
APEX IT Systems Delaware under Fraud Indian Consultancy scrutiny; USCIS crackdown on F-1 STEM OPT Extensions and H-1B…