#stemopt
How to get a software engineering job in the US after MS
Getting a software engineering job in the US after MS requires more than a graduate degree. International students can improve their prospects through strong coding skills, practical projects, internships, focused resumes, networking, interview preparation and careful OPT planning. Start preparing before graduation Getting a software engineering job in the US after MS usually requires preparation well before graduation. A master’s degr
How to get a software engineering job in the US after MS
Getting a software engineering job in the US after MS requires more than a graduate degree. International students can improve their prospects through strong coding skills, practical projects, internships, focused resumes, networking, interview preparation and careful OPT planning. Start preparing before graduation Getting a software engineering job in the US after MS usually requires preparation well before graduation. A master’s degr
Is a master’s in AI in the US worth it for Indian students?
A master’s in AI in the US can provide Indian students with specialized skills and access to a large technology job market, but the decision requires careful evaluation of tuition, career goals, university quality and post-study work eligibility such as OPT and STEM OPT. Is a US master’s in AI worth the investment? Artificial intelligence has become an in
Is a master’s in AI in the US worth it for Indian students?
A master’s in AI in the US can provide Indian students with specialized skills and access to a large technology job market, but the decision requires careful evaluation of tuition, career goals, university quality and post-study work eligibility such as OPT and STEM OPT. Is a US master’s in AI worth the investment? Artificial intelligence has become an in
US weighs $100,000 OPT fee for international graduates
The US is considering a $100,000 OPT fee for international graduates, though no formal policy has been issued. The proposal comes as a separate DHS rule ending duration of status for many F, J and I visa holders takes effect on September 15, 2026, nationwide. The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee connected to Optional Practical Training, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, July 30
US weighs $100,000 OPT fee for international graduates
The US is considering a $100,000 OPT fee for international graduates, though no formal policy has been issued. The proposal comes as a separate DHS rule ending duration of status for many F, J and I visa holders takes effect on September 15, 2026, nationwide. The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee connected to Optional Practical Training, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, July 30
F-1 grace period: Who gets 30 days and who gets 60?
The F-1 grace period will generally fall from 60 days to 30 days under the DHS fixed-stay rule effective September 15, 2026. Qualifying students protected by the transition provisions may retain 60 days after their Form I-20 or EAD end date, subject to the rule’s limits. The Department of Homeland Security’s final fixed-stay rule will reduce the standard F-1 departure period from 60 days to 30 days for students admitted un
F-1 grace period: Who gets 30 days and who gets 60?
The F-1 grace period will generally fall from 60 days to 30 days under the DHS fixed-stay rule effective September 15, 2026. Qualifying students protected by the transition provisions may retain 60 days after their Form I-20 or EAD end date, subject to the rule’s limits. The Department of Homeland Security’s final fixed-stay rule will reduce the standard F-1 departure period from 60 days to 30 days for students admitted un
F-1 student travel after September 15: What changes
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
F-1 student travel after September 15: What changes
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
OPT under new F-1 rule: When Form I-539 is required
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
OPT under new F-1 rule: When Form I-539 is required
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
DHS ends F-1 duration of status under new fixed-stay rule
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
DHS ends F-1 duration of status under new fixed-stay rule
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
Trump Student Visa Rule Sets Four-Year Admission Limit
The Trump student visa rule would replace duration of status with fixed admission periods of up to four years. F-1 and J-1 students may face new USCIS extension filings, shorter departure periods, travel effects and tighter limits on school or program changes. WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on Friday, July 17, 2026, replacing the “duration of status” system for F-1 students, J
Trump Student Visa Rule Sets Four-Year Admission Limit
The Trump student visa rule would replace duration of status with fixed admission periods of up to four years. F-1 and J-1 students may face new USCIS extension filings, shorter departure periods, travel effects and tighter limits on school or program changes. WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security published a final rule on Friday, July 17, 2026, replacing the “duration of status” system for F-1 students, J
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting thousands of immigrants
A significant policy change by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of foreign professionals working across the country. Beginning October 30, 2025, the DHS will end the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could temporarily leave many workers without legal permission to work while their renewal applications are processed. Until now, employees whose work permits had expired but whose renew
US ends automatic work permit extensions, impacting thousands of immigrants
A significant policy change by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to impact thousands of foreign professionals working across the country. Beginning October 30, 2025, the DHS will end the automatic extension of certain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), a move that could temporarily leave many workers without legal permission to work while their renewal applications are processed. Until now, employees whose work permits had expired but whose renew
U.S. clarifies $100 000 H-1B visa fee and impact on Indian students and employers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board. The origina
U.S. clarifies $100 000 H-1B visa fee and impact on Indian students and employers
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board. The origina
Green Card Sponsorship vs. OPT Extension for Indian Students
For thousands of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States, the transition from graduation to a full-time career often revolves around two crucial pathways: Green Card sponsorship and OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. Both options allow students to continue their journey in the U.S., but each comes with unique benefits, limitations, and long-term implications. Understanding these differences is e
Green Card Sponsorship vs. OPT Extension for Indian Students
For thousands of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States, the transition from graduation to a full-time career often revolves around two crucial pathways: Green Card sponsorship and OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. Both options allow students to continue their journey in the U.S., but each comes with unique benefits, limitations, and long-term implications. Understanding these differences is e









