Expanded OPT Eligibility for All Degree Holders
In a major win for international students, the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) has now officially expanded Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility to include all students who have completed an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree. This means that students at any academic level can now confidently apply for post-completion OPT and gain real-world work experience in the United States after graduation. You can explore more on the official USCIS OPT page.
New 60-Day Grace Period After OPT Completion
Another important update is the introduction of a 60-day grace period after the completion of OPT. This grace period allows students to either transfer to another SEVP-certified school, change their education level, or apply for a different visa. This buffer time reduces pressure and gives international students flexibility to plan their next steps without risking their visa status.
Easier Transfers Between SEVP-Certified Schools
Transferring between universities just got easier. Under the new rules, F-1 students can now transfer between SEVP-certified institutions at the same or higher academic level without losing their visa status. This is great news for those who want to switch to better-ranked programs, seek financial aid opportunities, or explore new academic fields without restarting their immigration paperwork. To check your school’s SEVP certification, visit the Study in the States school search tool.
Study Abroad Policy Clarification
The policy also clarifies how short-term study abroad affects F-1 visa holders. If your study abroad program is less than 5 months, you can retain active SEVIS status. However, if the program exceeds 5 months, a new Form I-20 will be required. This helps maintain clear visa records and avoids status complications for globally mobile students.
Visa Terminations and Reinstatements in Early 2025
In early 2025, the Trump administration initiated a controversial policy under the Student Criminal Alien Initiative, where over 1.3 million international student names were run through a federal criminal database. This resulted in the termination of more than 4,700 F-1 visas, many for minor or administrative issues. After legal pushback and public criticism, federal courts declared the action unlawful, and several students had their SEVIS records reactivated. More details are available via this Beaumont Enterprise report.
H-1B Cap-Gap Period Extended
The new H-1B Modernization Rule extends the Cap-Gap period, allowing F-1 students whose H-1B petitions are pending to continue working in the U.S. until April 1 of the following year. This change provides peace of mind and removes the stress of a work authorization gap for OPT participants awaiting their H-1B approval. For updates, visit the official USCIS H-1B resource page.
Enhanced Visa Vetting and Processing Times
A new executive order has also introduced enhanced vetting procedures for visa applicants. This includes more in-depth background checks and may lead to longer visa processing times. Students planning to study in the U.S. are now advised to apply well in advance and ensure all documents are accurate, complete, and consistent.
What Do These Updates Mean for Indian Students?
For Indian students planning to study in the U.S., these updates present a mix of opportunities and challenges. The expansion of OPT eligibility and extended Cap-Gap period are clear benefits. However, students must stay well-informed about security screening, grace period policies, and potential legal changes to avoid disruptions. These policies also encourage Indian students to be proactive and seek expert advice throughout their U.S. education journey.
Need Help Navigating U.S. Study Visas?
At Pyramid Overseas Education Consultants, we specialize in guiding students through F-1 visa processes, OPT planning, and university applications in the USA. From IELTS, PTE, and Duolingo coaching to visa interview training, we provide complete support to help you fulfill your dream of studying in the United States.
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