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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 …
2026 D/S Final Rule: What International F-1 Students Need to Know
by D1CC on Jul 16, 2026
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. …
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 …
OPT EAD Card: Application, Fees, Processing Time
by Tim on Jun 27, 2025
If you are an international student in the U.S. planning to work after graduation, understanding the OPT EAD card is essential. This card is your key to legally working under Optional Practical Training (OPT). In this guide, we'll walk you through what it is, how to apply, processing …
What Does “Card was Mailed to Me” EAD Status Mean?
by Tim on Jun 02, 2025
Have you checked your USCIS case status and seen the update: “Card was mailed to me”—but are not quite sure what it means for your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) status? You are not alone. This common notification often leaves applicants wondering about delivery timelines and …
OPT Unemployment: Consequences and Solutions
by Tim on Dec 19, 2024
Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides international students with a valuable opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study after graduation. However, in today’s cold U.S. job market, securing employment has become increasingly difficult. Economic uncertain …
OPT Denied: Common Reasons, Consequences, and Solutions
by Tim on Sep 09, 2024
Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 international students in the United States with an opportunity to gain work experience related to their field of study. This program allows students to work for up to 12 months after completing their degree, with an additional 24-month e …
OPT to Day 1 CPT: Understanding OPT Grace Period
by Tim on Jun 10, 2024
For international students in the United States, taking advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) is often the first step to developing their career in the country. However, with the declining selection rate of the H-1B visa lottery, an increasing number of international students …
OPT to Day 1 CPT: SEVIS Transfer Guide
by Ryan Zhang on May 10, 2024
As their OPT/STEM-OPT is coming to an end, most international students who intend to continue working in the United States would bid their last chance on the H-1B lottery. Recently, the FY 2025 H-1B lottery has been completed with a 26% selection rate.