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
Jpmorgan Orders Full Return to Office, Putting H-1B Visa Workers’ Status at Risk
Return-to-office mandates in 2026 create significant legal compliance challenges for H-1B and STEM OPT workers regarding worksite location and visa status.
FICA Exemption for OPT and CPT Workers: How to Claim a Refund on Tax Filing
F-1 students must file 2026 taxes by April 15, 2027. Ensure FICA tax exemptions are applied and FBAR…
H-1B Cap-Gap Now Runs Through April 1 Under H-1B Modernization Final Rule
USCIS to notify H-1B lottery winners by March 31, 2026. New rules extend student cap-gap to April 2027…
Hardening U.S. Social Climate Forces International Students to Reconsider U.S. Universities
A hardening U.S. social climate and stricter visa enforcement are driving a 30% drop in student visas, impacting…
Lawmakers Push Bill To Codify OPT Into Federal Law Without Changing Rules
Bipartisan bill seeks to codify OPT into federal law to ensure stability, though current USCIS rules and filing…
Job Seekers Cut Years of Experience from Resumes to Avoid Looking Overqualified
Job seekers are trimming resumes to avoid 'overqualified' labels from AI filters, creating a conflict between hiring speed…
U.S. Reviews Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT Under America First Policy
DHS initiates a formal review of OPT and STEM OPT programs, signaling potential duration cuts and stricter oversight…
DHS Letter Signals Review of OPT Work Rules, Putting STEM Extensions at Risk
DHS is reevaluating the OPT and STEM work programs for international students, signaling potential cuts to work durations…
Texas Whistleblower Exposes H-1B Visa Scam Targeting F-1 Students
Texas journalist Sara Gonzales exposes a $1,000 'pay-for-paperwork' scam targeting international students, sparking a federal crackdown on H-1B…
Kim Seung-Soo Pushes 10% Corporate Tax Credit for Korea E-Sports Association
South Korea proposes making regional esports tax credits permanent to boost economic activity and tournament hosting outside the…