Latest U.S. Immigration News & Helpful Tips / Day 1 CPT (2)

Full-Time vs Part-Time CPT: What's Best for International Students?

International Students Discussing Career Options at University Campus

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 …

Read Story

35% H-1B Selection Rate in 2026: What’s Driving the Change?

H1B visa lottery

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 …

Read Story

Selection Rate of 35%: Analysis of 2026 H-1B Visa Lottery

H1B visa lottery data 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 …

Read Story

H-1B 2026 (FY2027) Lottery Results are Out! What to Do Next?

h1b visa lottery

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 …

Read Story

Best 5 Day 1 CPT Universities for STEM Programs (2026)

STEM programs

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 …

Read Story

Navigating H-1B Applications in 2026: Key Steps for Success

h1b visa

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 …

Read Story

2026 H-1B New Rules and Their Impact on International Students

h1b visa

As of 2026, the H-1B modernization rule that took effect on January 17, 2025, remains one of the most significant updates to the visa program in recent years. The rule introduced clearer specialty occupation standards, expanded flexibility for F-1 students and H-1B employers, enhanced …

Read Story

How to Renew Your F-1 Visa While Enrolled in a Hybrid Program

f1 visa

If you’re an international student enrolled in a hybrid-professional program in the U.S., renewing your F-1 visa can be confusing. With changing government policies, visa interview wait times, and SEVIS status requirements, it’s hard to know where to begin. In this guide, we’ll explai …

Read Story

7 Steps from F-1 to Green Card

U.S. green card

For many international students, studying in the U.S. is only the first step toward building a long-term future in America. In 2026, more F-1 students are planning their immigration pathway earlier because of increasing H-1B competition, longer PERM processing times, and employment-ba …

Read Story

Not Selected for H1B? 9 Visa Options You Should Know

international student looking for h1b visa alternative options

Didn't get selected in the H-1B lottery? You're not alone. But the good news is — there are other ways to legally work in the U.S! In this article, we'll walk through 9 alternatives to the H-1B visa, using the story of Priya, to demonstrate how to evaluate your options. Table of Conte …

Read Story