F1Visa
F-1 student visa requirements, SEVIS transfer procedures, work authorization rules, and maintaining status while studying in the United States. Covers initial applications, extensions, and reinstatement.
Republicans Push to End F-1 Work Authorizations, Threatening OPT
Sen. Chuck Grassley urged DHS to end F-1 work authorizations, threatening OPT and related programs. OPT remains available (as of Sept 27, 2025), allowing up to 12 months of work…
How International Students Subsidize U.S. Education—and the H-1B Crackdown
A proposed $100,000 one-time fee on new H-1B petitions could deter international students, cut university revenues (potentially $3…
Grassley Urges DHS to Stop F-1 Student Work Permits
Sen. Chuck Grassley urged DHS to end F-1 work permits under OPT, citing legal and security concerns. OPT…
214(b) Denials Despite Strong Profiles: Lessons from Indian Students
Two funded Indian applicants were denied F-1 visas under 214(b) after consular officers doubted their intent to return.…
USCIS Expands Unannounced Site Visits for H-1B and F-1 Workers
Effective January 17, 2025, DHS strengthened FDNS authority for surprise site visits of H-1B and F-1 (OPT/STEM OPT)…
Trump’s H-1B Overhaul Could Cripple the College-to-Career Pipeline
DHS proposes replacing the H-1B lottery with a wage-ranked selection across four bands, plus tighter specialty standards and…
Surprise FDNS Inspections Target F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Students
FDNS and ICE increased surprise inspections of F-1 students on OPT/STEM OPT, checking I-983s, employment proof, and SEVIS…
14-Year Odyssey to U.S. Permanent Residency Highlights EB-1A Backlogs
After 14 years in the U.S. immigration system, Rajasegar obtained a Green Card via EB-1A in September 2025.…
Is the Indian American Dream Transforming Under Immigration Hurdles
A proposed $100,000 H‑1B supplementary fee, possible OPT restrictions, and long green card backlogs threaten Indian students and…
Why Ending OPT Could Outweigh the H-1B Fee in U.S. Tech
A $100,000 fee now applies to new H-1B petitions filed from outside the U.S., but exemptions for OPT-to-H-1B…