Latest U.S. Immigration News & Helpful Tips / F1 Status

Day 1 CPT Doctoral Programs: Compare Options After a Master's Degree

Day 1 CPT Doctoral Programs Compare Options After a Master's Degree Banner

Quick Insights If you already have a master's degree, a Day 1 CPT doctoral program may provide a more natural academic progression than pursuing another similar graduate degree. However, doctoral programs vary considerably in degree type, specialization, onsite requirements, location, …

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Is Your OPT Ending in 30 Days? Here's What You Can Do Before it Ends

female student thinking what to do with her opt ending

Quick Insights The new DHS Final Rule reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 to 30 days for students under the new fixed-admission framework. If your OPT is expiring, planning early can help you maintain lawful status and keep more options available. Depending on your situation, your ne …

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What CPT Students Must Know: Will the New Rule Affect Day 1 CPT?

students dicussing day 1 cpt regulations under the new dhs rule

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 …

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Why a DBA May Be the Smartest Choice Under the New F-1 Visa Rule

Professionals participating in a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) classroom discussion on leadership, research, and business strategy.

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 …

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New F-1 Visa Rule 2026: Best Ways to Extend Your Stay in the USA

Prospective F-1 student pursuing higher education opportunities at a U.S. university.

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 …

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2026 D/S Final Rule: What International F-1 Students Need to Know

International F-1 students reviewing U.S. immigration rules and maintaining student visa compliance.

Quick Insights DHS has finalized a rule ending Duration of Status (D/S) for F-1 students and replacing it with a fixed period of admission. Students will generally receive an admission period tied to their academic program, up to four years, rather than an open-ended D/S designation. …

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How to Extend Your Indian Passport: Renewal Checklist for F-1 Students

indian passport with travel stamp step by step guide

Extending your Indian passport in the USA does not have to be a complicated process. Whether your passport is close to expiring, you need additional validity for visa or immigration purposes, or you want to avoid travel disruptions, understanding the extension process can help you pre …

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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 …

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How to Renew an Indian Passport in USA (2026 Edition)

Indian Passport renewal

If you are currently in the U.S. on an F1 visa with Day 1 CPT or OPT, or working under an H1B visa, and your Indian passport is nearing expiration, it is important to renew your Indian passport in time. While traveling back to India for renewal is an option, it is often not practical. …

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Key Policy Changes and Their Impact in 2025

H1B key policy changes

2025: A Year of Major Changes in U.S. Visa and Immigration Policies The U.S. immigration system saw several major updates affecting students, workers, investors, and naturalization applicants. These changes reflected a broader shift toward stricter vetting, higher compliance standards …

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