Immigration policy news for F-1, OPT and H-1B
Reviewed news on proposed rules, court cases, fees and screening changes that affect F-1 students, OPT and STEM OPT workers, and H-1B applicants.
A proposed rule is not a final rule, and court orders can change quickly. Each post says what was known on its date and links to official sources where they exist. Check the Federal Register, USCIS and your DSO before you act on any news.
13 guides · Written by Vinay Kumar · Not legal advice
Guides in this hub
- 1PERM Suspension at Microsoft, Adobe and IT Firms: What Workers Should KnowThe October 2026 PERM suspension covers new and pending cases at eight employers. Learn what OPT and H-1B workers should verify at each green-card stage.Policy news8 min readOctober 12, 2026
- 2Is the H-1B 60-Day Grace Period Ending? The 2026 Proposal ExplainedThe H-1B 60-day grace period remains in the current regulation. Understand the 2026 removal proposal, November 10 comment deadline, and layoff planning.Policy news7 min readOctober 12, 2026
- 3New H-1B Employer Scrutiny: What OPT Job Seekers Should KnowUnderstand H-1B employer scrutiny after the September 18 order. Learn what OPT job seekers should verify about layoffs, sponsorship, and job documentation.Policy news7 min readOctober 12, 2026
- 4TN and TD Visa Social Media Screening: October 2026 ChangesTN and TD visa social media screening expanded October 1, 2026. Learn who is covered, what to prepare, and how Canadian admission routes differ.Policy news7 min readOctober 12, 2026
- 5OPT Fee Proposal 2026: What the $70,000 and $30,000 Fees Would MeanDHS proposed large OPT fees on October 8. Learn who would pay, how STEM OPT could be affected, the comment deadline, and what students should do now.Policy news9 min readOctober 11, 2026
- 6CPT Lawsuit October 2026: What F-1 Students Should Do About InternshipsUniversities challenged SEVP’s CPT guidance on October 5. Understand the lawsuit, internship approval, three student examples, and what to confirm with your DSO.Policy news9 min readOctober 11, 2026
- 7FY 2027 H-1B Lottery: No Second Round — What OPT Students Must Do NowUSCIS reached the FY 2027 cap; no second selection. Cap-gap, backup plans, and FY 2028 prep under the new wage-weighted system.Policy news9 min readOctober 5, 2026
- 8F-1 Duration of Status Rule Paused: What OPT Students Should Do NowThe September 2026 fixed-admission rule is postponed by a court order. Understand what remains in place and how to check OPT and travel guidance before acting.Policy news6 min readSeptember 15, 2026
- 9H-1B Fees in October 2026: The $100,000 Payment and $103,265 ProposalH-1B fees in October 2026 involve a court-blocked $100,000 payment and a separate $103,265 proposal. Compare their scope and what OPT students should verify.Policy news7 min readAugust 27, 2026
- 10New F-1 Visa Interview Rule: Apply in Your Country of Nationality or ResidenceThe July 15, 2026 State Department rule changes where F-1 and OPT students should book visa interviews. Learn the third-country risks and planning steps.Policy news9 min readAugust 11, 2026
- 11F-1 Visa Social Media Screening in 2026: What Officers Can ReviewF-1 visa applicants face online-presence review and are instructed to make social profiles public. Separate confirmed requirements from rumors.Policy news9 min readAugust 11, 2026
- 12USCIS Can Deny Your Case Without an RFE: What Changed August 5, 2026USCIS restored officers' discretion to deny incomplete cases without first sending an RFE or NOID. Learn who is affected and how to file a complete case.Policy news10 min readAugust 11, 2026
- 13USCIS Adjustment of Status Policy Shift: 'Discretionary Grace' Explained (2026)May 2026 USCIS policy memo shifts 'Adjustment of Status' for Green Cards to an act of 'discretionary grace,' pushing many applicants to consular processing.Policy news7 min readMay 28, 2026
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