Students
International student visa news covering F-1 regulations, SEVIS requirements, university enrollment policies, and post-graduation work options. Includes OPT, CPT, and STEM extension updates.
Top questions about Students
Answers from VisaVerge guidesHow should international students plan for potential shifts in immigration status?
Students should have a plan for two paths: stay in the United States or leave quickly to preserve option value and minimize irreversible commitments.
Read: How Fixed Immigration Periods Shape International Students' Investment FlexibilityHow has visa issuance for international students changed in early 2025?
Visa issuance for students fell more than 30% in early 2025 as enforcement and scrutiny increased.
Read: Hardening U.S. Social Climate Forces International Students to Reconsider U.S. UniversitiesWhat options are available to international students facing these visa changes?
International students can either withdraw their offers and receive a refund or defer their offers.
Read: Why Australian Universities Urgently Tell International Students to Back Out Now!What are some challenges faced by Indian and Chinese students applying for F-1 visas as of early 2025?
Both countries face appointment backlogs, interview freezes, and extra vetting procedures, leading to delays and increased risks in visa approvals as of early 2025.
Read: China and India Account for 60% of U.S. F-1 Visa Decline in 2025What potential changes could impact student visas for Indian immigrants under Project 2025?
Project 2025 proposes restrictions on student visas, which could disrupt the pathway to permanent residency for many skilled Indian students at U.S. universities.
Read: Trump Administration's Plans May Deepen Green Card Waits for Indians
F-1 FICA Tax Refund: Exemption Rules and How to Claim
F-1 students are generally exempt from FICA during their first five calendar years as nonresident aliens. If payroll withholds Social Security or Medicare, request an employer refund with documentation; if…
SSN vs ITIN for Non-Residents: Eligibility and Processing Times
Choose SSN if authorized to work; choose ITIN if you must file U.S. taxes but aren’t SSN-eligible. SSN…
Applying for an SSN as an F-1 Student or H-1B Worker
F-1 students (with CPT/OPT or on-campus jobs) and H-1B employees must apply in person with Form SS-5 and…
Canberra confirms slower third lane slows down student visa processing
From October 14, 2025, MD115 slows offshore Subclass 500 processing for providers nearing or exceeding allocations: 80% lowers…
Trump Defends Chinese Students in the U.S., Emphasizing Small Colleges
Trump urged admitting up to 600,000 Chinese students to shield smaller colleges, while 2025 federal policies strengthen visa…
Trump warns against cuts to foreign students amid visa crackdown
In late 2025 the president warned against steep cuts to international students, calling them vital to campus finances.…
Purdue International Freshmen Drop to Lowest Since 2004
Purdue’s fall 2025 class includes 525 international freshmen (5%), the lowest since 2004. A nearly 7% drop at…
Canada Grants 24 Weekly Off-Campus Hours for International Students
Effective November 8, 2024, Canada increased off-campus work for eligible international students to 24 hours per week, replacing…
ICE Arrests May Lower Test Scores for Immigrant and U.S.-Born Students
A Florida study shows that increased ICE arrests cause measurable learning losses—about 10–15 SAT points per one-point enforcement…
New Zealand student visa work limit rises to 25 hours per week
Starting November 3, 2025, student visas issued in New Zealand permit 25 hours of work per week during…