MYSTERIOUS: Opt org | Mind Blowing Facts

From 'Green Card stapled to degree' to $ 70,000 pay-to-stay, US makes big immigration u-turn

The TOI correspondent from Washington: Not too long ago, MAGA boss Donald Trump said foreign graduates should leave American universities with a green card “as part of your diploma.” Forget the green card; on Wednesday, his administration, under pressure from the nativist MAGA base, proposed a $70,000 fee to let…

The Times of India · Oct 7

New OPT fee proposed: Colleges to pay $70,000 for first-time F-1 students, $30,000 for extensions; DHS says this was never meant to be a backdoor

The Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed rule that would impose a $70,000 fee for F-1 students seeking to participate in the OPT program and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT authorization including STEM OPT extensions. Schools will have to pay this fee, not the international students. The proposed rule…

The Times of India · Oct 7

Trump administration’s $100,000 OPT fee proposal clears White House review: What Indian students need to know

A proposed $100,000 fee could impact international students' work opportunities in the US. This significant charge might affect students and universities relying on international graduates. The proposal's details remain unclear regarding who will ultimately pay the fee. Indian students, often using OPT for initial US work experience, could be significantly…

The Economic Times · Sep 13

4,430 OPTs only in Missouri; janitorial services training: US senator reveals 'visa abuse' facts

Senator Eric Schmitt, who has been speaking against the Optional Practical Training program that foreign students get at the end of their course, revealed some astounding facts only from his state Missouri as he once again demanded that this practice to be ended as it is harming American students. This…

The Times of India · Apr 10

OPT protection bill introduced in US; over 1.43 lakh Indian students in post-study work programme

US lawmakers are proposing a new bill to safeguard the Optional Practical Training program. This initiative aims to provide stability for international students, including many from India, seeking work experience after graduation. The 'Keep Innovators in America Act' seeks to codify the program into law.

The Times of India · Mar 23