NEWS
Timely coverage of H1B, OPT, and immigration policy changes that affect visa sponsorship
- DHS's Next Target Is OPT, STEM OPT, and CPT: What RIN 1653-AA97 Signals — and Why the Rule Just Slipped to 2027
A DHS regulatory-agenda item called the "Practical Training" rule has been aimed at Optional Practical Training, STEM OPT, and curricular practical training for over a year. The newest Unified Agenda entry now shows a proposed rule expected in February 2027, not 2026. Here is what DHS has confirmed, what is still just a placeholder, and what is not changing yet.
August 2, 2026 - The $100,000 H-1B Fee Is Not in Effect Right Now: The Full Timeline From Proclamation to Court Battle
Proclamation 10973 imposed a $100,000 charge on new H-1B petitions in September 2025. Nearly a year of litigation later, a federal court has vacated it and an appeals court has refused to put it back — so as of this writing, the fee does not apply. Here is the full timeline, and why the posture could still shift again.
August 1, 2026 - DHS Ends "Duration of Status" for F-1 Students: What the New Fixed-Period and Extension-of-Stay Rule Means for OPT and STEM OPT
A final DHS rule effective September 15, 2026 replaces indefinite "duration of status" for F, J, and I nonimmigrants with fixed admission periods — and requires a new USCIS Extension of Stay filing, including for post-completion OPT and STEM OPT. Here is what changes, the transition rules, and how the H-1B cap-gap is affected.
July 31, 2026