Will opt be removed?

It's uncertain if Optional Practical Training (OPT) will be removed, but new Trump administration proposals aim to end or severely restrict it, potentially limiting work authorization to only while students are enrolled, sparking debate and legal challenges, though universities and tech firms strongly oppose changes due to economic impacts. While some congressional bills have stalled, the proposed regulatory changes could significantly alter post-graduation work for international students in the U.S., possibly removing post-study work entirely or adding strict reporting.

Is OPT being removed in the USA?

The Optional Practical Training program allows F-1 international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates). Despite widespread concern, no final rule has yet been issued to eliminate or curtail OPT as of November 2025.

Is USCIS moving faster in 2025?

In 2025, USCIS processing times present a mixed picture: some areas, like naturalization (N-400), saw faster processing, but overall, significant backlogs for Adjustment of Status (I-485) and other forms like I-129/I-140s for employment-based green cards emerged, with a growing backlog of pending cases, though clean filings and premium processing can still speed things up. While some applicants experienced quicker approvals, many faced delays, highlighting the need to monitor official times and consider filing strategies like premium processing for faster results. 

Is OPT still F-1 status?

Yes, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit that extends your F-1 student status, meaning you remain in F-1 status while on OPT, but you must maintain specific requirements like working in a job directly related to your major and reporting to your school's international office. Your immigration status is still F-1, not a new visa type, and you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for your work. 

Is the US cancelling the H-1B visa?

India said Friday it had spoken to the US over thousands of cancelled H-1B visa interviews, which were scheduled from December 15 onwards and then postponed abruptly by months, as late as May 2026 in some cases.

Australian Immigration News 17th Jan. Can proving fake certificates cancel your PR and Citizenship?

Who has to pay $100,000 for an H-1B visa?

The $100,000 H-1B fee, implemented in late 2025, primarily targets U.S. employers filing new H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S. who need to obtain an H-1B visa abroad, rather than those already in the U.S. for change of status or extensions, or for current H-1B holders. Employers filing for new hires from overseas, especially for roles where a U.S. worker isn't readily available, often face this fee as a significant cost to bring talent in, with limited exceptions possible, according to guidance from USCIS. 

Is Trump changing his H-1B visa?

The Trump Administration has announced a major overhaul of the H-1B visa program that will replace the long-standing lottery used to grant the visas for foreign workers with specialized qualifications with a new weighted system that favors higher-skilled and higher-paid workers.

Does OPT lead to a green card?

Yes, Optional Practical Training (OPT) doesn't directly lead to a green card, but it serves as a crucial bridge, allowing time to pursue employment-based (like EB-2/EB-3 with an employer sponsor), family-based (marriage or relative), or National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card pathways, often by securing an employer who will sponsor you, especially for STEM OPT extension, or through other qualifying relationships or extraordinary ability. 

How long can I stay in the U.S. after my OPT?

Yes, you're allowed to stay in the U.S. during the 60-day grace period after your OPT ends, as long as you don't work or study during this time. So, if your OPT ends on June 5th, staying until the end of July is within your legal grace period and should be fine under current rules.

Can I work two jobs on OPT?

You may work for multiple employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire). In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined.

Is USCIS waiving interviews in 2025?

Yes, USCIS is still waiving interviews in 2025, but primarily for green card/adjustment of status (adjustment of status) cases for straightforward, well-documented applications, while the Department of State (DOS) significantly restricted nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview waivers starting in September 2025, making most NIV applicants (like tourists/workers) need in-person interviews. So, interview waivers are becoming rarer for visas but more common for green cards in specific scenarios. 

Is Green Card 2026 open?

For the DV-2026 program, selections were made in May 2025, and winners can check their status online with their confirmation number until at least September 30, 2026, as the process is for Fiscal Year 2026 (October 1, 2025 - September 30, 2026), with around 52,000 visas available, distributed by region and country, and the next DV-2027 registration period will be announced later in 2026. 

Can police ask for immigration status in 2025?

If pulled over while driving, you must show your license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. You are not obligated to answer questions about your immigration status. Customs officers may ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the U.S.

Is OPT coming to an end?

An upcoming Trump administration rule is expected to end or restrict Optional Practical Training for international students. The immigration rule, listed on the public regulatory agenda, could appear before the end of the year or in the first half of 2026.

Did Trump cancel student visas?

The Department of State has revoked 8,000 student visas since the start of President Donald Trump's second term, the department shared on the social media site X on Monday, as part of the president's massive deportation campaign.

Will there be a second round for H1B 2026?

No, there was no second H-1B lottery for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in July 2025 that they received enough petitions from the initial selection to meet the annual cap, closing out the process for that year. While multiple rounds have happened in past years when not enough filings were received, the FY2026 initial selection successfully filled all available visa slots, meaning no further lotteries were needed. 

What happens if I lose my job on OPT?

Students with a 12-month Post-Completion OPT authorization cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days. This is aggregate, meaning that if you have 40 days of unemployment, you would only be allowed to be unemployed for a remaining 50 days before you risk violating your immigration status.

Will F-1 students get a green card?

If you are an international student who lives and studies in the United States, and you hold an F1 Visa, you may be able to apply for a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident if you wish to remain in the US after your studies.

Is OPT still F-1 status?

Yes, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit that extends your F-1 student status, meaning you remain in F-1 status while on OPT, but you must maintain specific requirements like working in a job directly related to your major and reporting to your school's international office. Your immigration status is still F-1, not a new visa type, and you receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for your work. 

Can I go from OPT to EB-3?

Yes. F-1 students — including those on OPT or STEM OPT — may pursue permanent residence through EB-2 or EB-3 if they qualify.

What is the fastest visa to get a green card?

One of the fastest ways to get a U.S. Green Card is via the EB-5 Visa program. While the EB-5 Visa is technically employment-based, it does not require a job offer. Instead, this type of visa is focused on making a qualifying investment to create jobs.

How can I stay in the US after OPT?

If you plan to continue working in the U.S. after your OPT period, there are a variety of employer-sponsored work visas that may be available to you depending on your employer, the kind of work you engage in, your qualifications, and your citizenship.

Who has to pay $100,000 for an H-1B visa?

The $100,000 H-1B fee, implemented in late 2025, primarily targets U.S. employers filing new H-1B petitions for workers outside the U.S. who need to obtain an H-1B visa abroad, rather than those already in the U.S. for change of status or extensions, or for current H-1B holders. Employers filing for new hires from overseas, especially for roles where a U.S. worker isn't readily available, often face this fee as a significant cost to bring talent in, with limited exceptions possible, according to guidance from USCIS. 

Did Elon Musk get an H-1B visa?

Elon Musk, the world's richest man and the founder of a raft of prominent tech companies in the U.S., is not only one of the most prominent H-1B visa recipients but also one of the most vocal advocates of the program.