F-1 student travel after September 15, 2026, may lead to a fixed admission period at reentry. Students should check the new Form I-94, understand how travel affects transition protection, and review risks involving OPT, STEM OPT and pending extension applications. The Department of Homeland Security’s final fixed-stay rule will change what happens when some F-1 students return to the United States after international travel. Published on Friday, July 17, 2026, it

The OPT under new F-1 rule creates a temporary Form I-539 exemption for qualifying students who file Form I-765 by March 18, 2027. Other post-completion OPT and STEM OPT applicants may need separate employment authorization and extension-of-stay filings. The Department of Homeland Security’s fixed-stay rule changes how some F-1 students will request post-completion Optional Practical Training and STEM OPT. Published on Friday, July 17, 2026, it takes effect on Tue

The F-1 transition rules allow many students maintaining D/S status in the United States on September 15, 2026, to remain through their current Form I-20 or EAD end date, subject to a four-year cap. Travel, program changes or additional study time may require new action. The Department of Homeland Security published its final fixed-stay rule on Friday, July 17, 2026. It is scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, and includes a transition period for

The DHS F-1 duration of status rule takes effect September 15, 2026, replacing open-ended D/S admission with fixed stays. New students may receive up to four years, while eligible students already in the U.S. receive transition protection and new extension filing requirements. The Department of Homeland Security has finalized a rule ending the “duration of status,” or D/S, admission system for F-1 students. Published on Friday, July 17, 2026, the rule takes effe

Vizhinjam Port customs status clears the way for direct export-import operations from August 18. The move strengthens the Kerala deepwater port as an India trade gateway, while improving EXIM cargo movement, logistics efficiency and business opportunities. Vizhinjam Export-Import Operations To Begin Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has been notified as a customs port, allowing it to handle direct export and import cargo. E

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint over an allegedly AI-generated deepfake video that circulated widely on social media. The altered clip falsely portrayed him as making threatening remarks against students participating in protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Goyal said the footage had been created by manipulating a video of his interaction with reporters outside Parliament. He alleged that artificial intelligence

PM Modi Instagram outreach is aimed at strengthening digital government communication with young Indians. Ministers have reportedly been encouraged to use Instagram Reels, interactive sessions and simple videos to improve student engagement and address concerns over exam leaks.   Why PM Modi Wants Ministers To Use Instagram Reels Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly advised Union ministers to

The Dharmendra Pradhan resignation demand remains the main hurdle in Centre-CJP talks over the NEET paper leak. While protesters seek political accountability, the government is focusing on NTA reforms, a tougher paper leak law and examination security.   The Dharmendra Pradhan resignation demand remains the central issue in talks between the Centre and the Cockroach Janta Party as both sides try to resolve the continuing agitation over alleged irregularities in th

Delhi Police said it identified and blocked around 480 Pakistan-based social media accounts accused of spreading fake posts during the NEET protest. The force urged students at the CJP-led Jantar Mantar demonstration to verify online claims and avoid edited videos, rumours and anonymous accounts. NEET Protest Draws Wider Attention Thousands of students and supporters of the youth-led Cockroach

China Coast Guard Deploys Water Cannons The South China Sea clash near Scarborough Shoal intensified for a second consecutive day after the China Coast Guard used water cannons and carried out what Philippine authorities described as dangerous blocking maneuvers against government and fisheries vessels. The latest confrontation highlights the continuing maritime dis

The Trump Saudi nuclear deal has entered uncertain territory after President Donald Trump said the civilian nuclear partnership would move forward only if Riyadh joins the Abraham Accords. White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller defended the condition, arguing that Trump understands Saudi leaders and their negotiating approach. Miller Defence of Trump’s Strategy Speaking to reporters

A US federal appeals court has kept the Trump administration’s $100,000 charge on new H-1B petitions blocked, preserving a lower-court injunction while the government continues its appeal. The Trump H1B fee ruling affects employers, skilled workers and applicants following the wider immigration dispute. H-1B Fee Block Remains in Place On Friday, July 24, the Boston-based First US Circuit Cour

President Donald Trump said ongoing Trump Iran nuclear talks could still produce an agreement, but warned that Washington may take further military action if diplomacy fails. He argued that an Iranian nuclear weapon would have placed the entire Middle East at severe risk. Trump warning focuses on Iran’s nuclear ambitions Speaking to reporters on Friday, July 24, Trump defended his administrat

US President Donald Trump said Washington remains engaged in Trump Iran strike talks and has not decided whether to order major new military action. He said diplomacy remains the preferred path but warned that the US military could escalate strikes if negotiations fail. Diplomacy Remains the Preferred Option Speaking on Friday, July 24, Trump confirmed that American officials were communicating

The Columbus bed bug ranking remained No. 8 on Orkin’s 2026 list, while Cleveland placed fourth. Six Ohio cities reached the top 50, leading all states in representation in a ranking based on residential and commercial treatments from May 2025 through May 2026. Columbus and Cleveland remain in the top 10 Columbus remained No. 8 on Orkin’s 2026 ranking of U.S. cities with the most bed bug tr

The Amazon Prime settlement claim deadline falls on Monday, July 27, 2026, for eligible U.S. customers seeking up to $51. The FTC agreement covers certain users who were unintentionally enrolled or could not complete online cancellation between 2019 and 2025. Amazon Prime customers who may qualify for refunds under a $2.5 billion settlement with the Federal Trade Commission have until Monday, July 27, 2026, to file a claim. The agreement includes a $1 billion civil

The Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce now spans nine states, with 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations. Federal officials are urging consumers to discard recalled products sold through restaurants, food-service channels and select Walmart stores. Cyclospora outbreak reaches nine states Federal health officials said Friday, July 24, 2026, that a Cyclospora ou

All 28 Indian crew members aboard the Mozambique-flagged Disha LPG tanker are safe after an attack in Iranian waters near the Strait of Hormuz. India’s embassy is monitoring the case as authorities assess the vessel and the source of the reported missile strike. All 28 Indian crew members confirmed safe All 28 Indian crew members aboard the Mozambique-flagged LPG tanker Disha were confirmed safe after the ves

US visa restrictions for NRIs do not automatically affect ordinary Indian professionals, students or families. The new policy targets people linked to cyberscams, sextortion and enabling networks, while immediate family members of designated individuals may also face restrictions. The United States’ new global visa restriction policy targeting cyberscams, sextortion and related cyber-enabled crime may concern non-residen

The United States has introduced global US visa restrictions for foreign nationals linked to cyberscams, sextortion and cyber-enabled crime. The policy may also affect immediate family members and supports a broader campaign using prosecutions, sanctions and international cooperation. The United States announced a global visa restriction policy on Thursday, July 23, 2026, targeting foreign nationals responsible for or comp