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Is Your OPT Ending in 30 Days? Here's What You Can Do Before it Ends
by D1CC on Aug 07, 2026
Quick Insights Most F-1 students receive a grace period after completing OPT to prepare for their next step. The new DHS Final Rule reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days for students admitted under the new fixed-admission framework. If your OPT is ending soon, waiting u …
What CPT Students Must Know: Will the New Rule Affect Day 1 CPT?
by D1CC on Jul 29, 2026
Quick Insights The DHS Final Rule does not eliminate or prohibit Day 1 CPT. DHS specifically declined to make changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT), including Day 1 CPT, because it was outside the scope of this rulemaking. The rule replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fix …
Why a DBA May Be the Smartest Choice Under the New F-1 Visa Rule
by D1CC on Jul 24, 2026
Quick Insights With the DHS Final Rule ending Duration of Status (D/S), F-1 students will no longer receive an open-ended period of stay while completing their studies. Most students admitted after the rule takes effect will receive a fixed admission period based on their academic pro …
New F-1 Visa Rule 2026: Best Ways to Extend Your Stay in the USA
by D1CC on Jul 21, 2026
Quick Insights The new DHS Final Rule replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed period of admission for F-1 students, making early immigration planning more important than ever. Students who need additional time in the United States may need to explore options such as continuing …
Full-Time vs Part-Time CPT: What's Best for International Students?
by D1CC on Jun 19, 2026
International students exploring employment options in the United States often encounter an important decision when applying for Curricular Practical Training (CPT): should they choose Full-Time CPT or Part-Time CPT? While both options allow eligible F-1 students to gain valuable work …
35% H-1B Selection Rate in 2026: What’s Driving the Change?
by Tim on May 20, 2026
The H-1B lottery landscape has changed dramatically over the last few years. After record-high registration numbers and historically low odds during FY 2024, many international students and employers are finally seeing improved H-1B selection rates in 2026. However, the system itself …
Selection Rate of 35%: Analysis of 2026 H-1B Visa Lottery
by Tim on May 11, 2026
In May 2026, USCIS released FY 2027 H-1B cap registration data showing another significant decline in registrations and continued improvements in selection odds for legitimate applicants. USCIS reported approximately 211,600 registrations for FY 2027, a 38.5% decrease from the 343,981 …
H-1B 2026 (FY2027) Lottery Results are Out! What to Do Next?
by Tim on Mar 24, 2026
The registration period for the H-1B 2026 (FY 2027) lottery ended at 12:00 PM (EST) on March 19, 2026. Between March 24 and 31, USCIS has been releasing the lottery results. Whether you have been selected or not, it is important to understand your next steps. In this article, we will …
Best 6 Day 1 CPT Universities for STEM Programs (2026)
by Tim on Mar 12, 2026
STEM programs have long been a top choice for international students seeking career development in the U.S. When considering Day 1 CPT, many students prefer STEM programs due to the advantage of a 3-year OPT. However, not all universities offer STEM options for Day 1 CPT. This article …
Navigating H-1B Applications in 2026: Key Steps for Success
by Tim on Feb 11, 2026
USCIS officially announced that the FY 2027 H-1B cap season opened in March 2026, continuing major changes introduced over the past few years. While H-1B selection rates improved compared with the record-low odds seen during FY 2024, the process has also become more competitive becaus …