OPT
Latest in OPT
From F-1 to H-1B: A Practical Guide for U.S. Employment
New rules add a $100,000 fee for new H-1B petitions starting September 21, 2025, and shift selection toward higher wages…
Banks and Grassley Urge End to OPT Program, Trump Administration
Banks and Grassley pressed the administration to end OPT, which grants F‑1 graduates post‑study work (12 months plus 24‑month STEM…
F-1 OPT Student Trapped in Fraud: How to Exit Safely
Federal agents are conducting unannounced employer checks to expose fake OPT jobs and sham training plans. USCIS, ICE and FDNS…
F-1 OPT Travelers to India Face Re-Entry Anxiety, Docs Scrutiny
Rising re-entry anxiety is causing Indian F-1 students on OPT to postpone trips home. Inconsistent border treatment—even with correct documents—has…
Thanksgiving on Campus for International Students: Housing and Dining
F-1 and J-1 students staying on campus for Thanksgiving should register housing early, expect limited dining and services, and prepare…
Common OPT/CPT Mistakes That Risk F-1 Status and How to Avoid
Working before the EAD start date or not reporting employment can trigger SEVIS termination. CPT is school-approved; OPT needs USCIS-issued…
Navigating F-1 to H-1B: Tax Residency and Payroll Traps
October 1 H-1B start dates change tax residency and payroll: FICA exemption ends, Social Security and Medicare withholding must start,…
ESPP and Stock Options: When Salary Becomes Capital Gains
Equity pay shifts tax character across stages: ESPP discounts and NSO bargain elements taxable as ordinary income at purchase/exercise; sales…