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.
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 billion), and weaken U.S. research by disrupting the OPT-to-H-1B pipeline. Stakeholders call…
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…
Grassley Demands End to OPT for F-1 Students Amid Tensions
Sen. Grassley urged DHS to end OPT work authorizations for F-1 students, threatening 12–36 month post-study work rights.…