OPT students face visa risk as US clamps down on fake consultancies

U.S. authorities are intensifying checks on OPT jobs nationwide, cutting off status for students tied to fake consultancies and unreported unemployment. Thousands now face loss of status and possible removal.

ICE enforcement and visa revocations have surged in 2025, adding fresh pressure on recent graduates to prove real, degree-related work quickly and keep their SEVIS records accurate.

What’s happening now

• Since early 2025, ICE has terminated over 4,700 SEVIS records for F‑1 students, often for failing to maintain valid employment or working with fraudulent consultancies.
• The U.S. Department of State has revoked more than 300 student visas, including cases linked to alleged criminal activity or sham employment.
• Students who exceed the 90‑day unemployment limit during OPT are receiving warning letters threatening SEVIS termination and potential removal if they don’t update or secure legitimate jobs quickly.
• The crackdown targets fake job consultancies that sell bogus job offers or training agreements to help students appear employed when they’re not.

These actions reflect a wider shift toward stricter checks on OPT and employer legitimacy. VisaVerge.com reports that schools and students are seeing broader scrutiny of employment verification this year.

What OPT requires

OPT lets F‑1 students work in the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 12 months after graduation, with a possible 24‑month STEM extension. Key rules:

• Jobs must be related to your major and at a real, verifiable employer.
• You can be unemployed for up to 90 days during initial OPT and an extra 60 days on STEM OPT (total 150 days).
• You must report any employment change within 10 days through your school or the SEVP Portal to keep SEVIS current.

Missing these steps can lead to status termination and, in some cases, removal proceedings.

Policy shift on the horizon

The U.S. government has long allowed students to stay for the “duration of status.” A new DHS proposal, cleared by the White House in mid‑2025, would set fixed‑term limits on student visas, requiring extensions even if studies continue.

If finalized, this would:

• Tighten timelines for stays.
• Increase the frequency of checks on enrollment, work authorization, and SEVIS updates.

Why this matters to you

For many graduates, OPT is the first U.S. job experience and a bridge to longer-term options. The current enforcement push creates immediate risks:

• A student who used a “placement firm” for a paper job now faces SEVIS termination after ICE verified the company has no active projects or offices.
• A STEM graduate who assumed volunteer “training” counted as employment lost status after 90 days with no verifiable paid role tied to their degree.
• An OPT worker laid off by a tech startup failed to update SEVIS within 10 days and now needs a data fix through the DSO to avoid termination.

These are not edge cases; they’re increasingly common in 2025.

Immediate actions students should take

1. Confirm your job is real and related to your major.
   • Keep offer letters, pay stubs, supervisor info, and a short note explaining how your duties match your field.
2. Update your SEVIS records within 10 days of any change.
   • Use your school’s international office or the SEVP Portal to report new jobs, end dates, or employer details.
3. Track unemployment days carefully.
   • If you’re nearing 90 days on OPT or 150 days total with STEM, escalate your job search or consult your DSO.
4. Avoid fake consultancies.
   • Red flags: no physical office, no active clients, generic contracts, or requests for fees to “sponsor” OPT.
5. Respond fast to any ICE or Department of State notice.
   • Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) the same day. Ask about a SEVIS data fix if you believe there’s an error.
6. Plan for fixed‑term limits.
   • Watch DHS rulemaking and be ready to request extensions if the rule takes effect during your program.

If you’re laid off or an H‑1B is withdrawn

• Report the layoff to your DSO immediately and update your SEVIS records with your last workday.
• Ask your DSO about a SEVIS data fix if the employer didn’t update your end date correctly.
• Keep proof of your job search and any new offers that relate to your degree.

How schools and employers fit in

• Universities stress that students must keep SEVIS records accurate and stay in close touch with DSOs.
• Employers should provide clear start and end dates, supervisor contacts, and job descriptions tied to the degree field.
• When employers delay verification or issue vague letters, students face higher risk during ICE checks.

Key players and their stance

• ICE is actively enforcing OPT rules and ending status for non‑compliance.
• DHS is pushing a move to fixed-term visas for closer oversight.
• The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) warns that increased SEVIS terminations could harm the talent pipeline.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio has noted visa revocations involving alleged criminal activity, underscoring a hard line on fraud.

What to expect next

• The fixed‑term visa proposal is expected to be published for comment soon and could be finalized within a year, changing how long F‑1 and J‑1 students can stay without an extension.
• Enforcement against fake consultancies will likely continue, with more employment verification and SEVIS monitoring.
• Schools and students should prepare for tighter compliance checks and shorter response timelines.

Official resource

• SEVP Portal (ICE): Update employer details and keep your records current. Link: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/sevp-portal

Practical checklist

• Keep a folder with: offer letter, pay stubs, supervisor contact, job description tied to your major, and evidence of active work.
• Set reminders for the 10‑day reporting rule and track unemployment days.
• If you get a notice, notify your DSO the same day and ask about options, including data fixes.
• Never pay for “sponsorship” from a consultancy. If asked for fees to keep OPT “active,” walk away.

Deadline reminder

For context, USCIS deadlines remain strict. For example, the last date to submit OPT applications for Spring 2025 graduates was July 23, 2025. Late filings risk denial and status gaps.

Bottom line

• Prove real, degree‑related work.
• Keep SEVIS records current within 10 days.
• Stay under the 90/150‑day unemployment limits.
• Avoid fake consultancies.
• Act fast if ICE contacts you.

These steps won’t just protect status; they also position you well if DHS finalizes fixed‑term limits. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, students who keep tight documentation and report changes quickly are having fewer problems during checks this year.

If you’re unsure, talk to your DSO today. Small steps—timely SEVIS updates, clear job proof, and quick responses—make the difference between continued work authorization and a terminated record.