Category

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.

489 articles

Top questions about OPT

Answers from VisaVerge guides
What risks do Fall 2025/2026 students face regarding OPT in the U.S.?

Fall 2025/2026 students may face risks such as changes to 'duration of status' for F-1 students, a reduced grace period after study, and potential delays or denials in obtaining post-completion OPT due to proposed stricter rules by DHS.

Read: Fall 2025/2026 Study Plan: Prepare for OPT Uncertainty with Backups
What should international students and employers do during this period of uncertainty regarding OPT and STEM OPT programs?

Students should ensure their job descriptions align with their degree and keep detailed records organized for possible requests from the Designated School Official (DSO), SEVP, or USCIS. Employers should maintain clear reporting workflows and retain evidence of supervision, projects, and evaluations to reduce compliance risk.

Read: U.S. Reviews Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT Under America First Policy
How the 2025 Government Shutdown Impacts F-1 Visa, OPT, and CPT

Fee-funded USCIS, consular operations, and SEVIS will keep processing F-1 visas, OPT, and CPT during the 2025 shutdown, but DOL pauses (LCAs) and E‑Verify interruptions may slow H‑1B transitions. Students should file early, limit travel, and keep detailed records while monitoring official updates.

Read: How the 2025 Government Shutdown Impacts F-1 Visa, OPT, and CPT
What should international students do if they rely on the USCIS H-1B Employer Data Hub?

International students should save dated screenshots or exports of any prior results from the data hub and cross-check names in DOL LCA disclosure data to reduce duplicate or mismatched employer records.

Read: Uscis H-1B Employer Data Hub Outage Blinds Job Seekers in H-1B Visa Market
How 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 Flexibility
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