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.
From OPT to EB-5: Indian Students Seek Fast-Track to Green Card
Faced with H-1B lottery uncertainty and long Green Card backlogs, many Indian students are using EB-5—investing $800,000 or $1.05M and creating 10 jobs—to secure faster, employer-independent residency while on OPT.
STEM OPT Surges 54% in 2024, Indians Lead with Almost Half of Approvals
STEM OPT approvals surged 54% in 2024, totaling 95,384 of 194,554 OPT authorizations; India received about 79,331 approvals…
Country-Wwise Impacts of U.S. Visa and Tariff Policy on India and Partners
Higher U.S. visa fees, long interview waits and a DHS proposal to cap student stays are squeezing Indian…
Impacts of Trump Policies on Immigration, Visas, Jobs, Tourism, and Tariffs in 2025
Fixed four-year admission periods for student visas, a $250 Visa Integrity Fee from October 1, 2025, and an…
Indians May Abandon U.S. Study Plans if OPT and H-1B End, 78% Say So
A poll of nearly 1,200 Indian students found 78% would skip studying in the U.S. if OPT and…
OPT in Crisis: Indian Students Face Collapse of Post‑Study Work Pathways
OPT continues in 2025 but with increased scrutiny: more audits, social media checks, narrower interview waivers, and possible…
Trump May Axe OPT Program, Threatening Thousands of Indian Jobs and Visas
The April 8, 2025 bill would eliminate OPT and the STEM extension, creating immediate uncertainty despite OPT remaining…
OPT program under attack as lawmakers push termination and tighter rules
OPT remains active but faces major threats in 2025: H.R. 2315 would abolish OPT; the DIGNITY Act would…
International Students in U.S. STEM Jobs Surge 54% in 2024, Boundless Finds
In 2024, STEM OPT participation rose 54% to 95,384 students, while total international enrollment reached 1.58 million. International…
OPT students face visa risk as US clamps down on fake consultancies
Authorities heightened OPT checks in 2025: ICE ended 4,700+ SEVIS records, and 300+ student visas were revoked. F-1…