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.
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 led advisers to recommend thorough documentation, updated SEVIS records and…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
India–U.S. Tax Reporting: A Practical Guide to Avoid Double Taxation
Differences in residency rules and tax years can cause double taxation for Indians in the U.S. The DTAA…
DHS Ending EAD Extensions Oct 30, 2025: Which Visas Are Affected
Starting October 30, 2025, most automatic EAD extensions end. File renewals up to 180 days early to reduce…
Tax Checklist for F-1/OPT Students with Indian Bank Accounts
F-1 students usually remain nonresident aliens for five years and must file Form 8843; earning U.S. income requires…
DUI Could Put OPT Extensions and H-1B Processing in Limbo
A DUI arrest can freeze OPT extensions, slow or block H-1B processing, and risk visa refusal or revocation.…
US OPT Students Face Tax Changes, FICA Exemption on the Line
Two pending bills—the OPT Fair Tax Act and Dignity Act of 2025—would end FICA exemption for OPT, making…