Published by Mint - July, 10, 2026
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/us-visa-crackdown-fewer-jobs-push-indian-students-to-rethink-american-dream-expert-11783700729717.html
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Where can a college student file Form N-400 for naturalization?
College students are domiciled both at school and their permanent family home, so they may file in either state.
Does remote work while traveling abroad on F-1 OPT count as unemployment?
Standard PTO is not unemployment. For remote work abroad, consult your DSO. If you have no accumulated unemployment, short periods are generally low risk.
Can an individual working for two employers on STEM OPT continue working for both during the "cap-gap" period once an H-1B petition is filed?
Cap-Gap acts as an extension of the current underlying status. If the F-1 STEM OPT status allowed for dual employment, that authorization continues under Cap-Gap until the H-1B takes effect.
What are the options to maintain status after a job loss when an individual is on their first H-1B but has an approved PERM and I-140 from a future employer?
Once an I-140 is approved and held for 180 days, the priority date is locked, and the applicant can extend an H-1B infinitely with any employer. To bridge a gap between roles, filing for a B-1 visa with an explicit intent of job hunting is a suggested strategy, rather than switching to an F-1 unless it represents a logical career progression.
Published by Observer Voice - June, 19, 2026
https://observervoice.com/white-house-finalizes-regulations-impacting-flexibility-for-international-students-stay-and-studies-210894/
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Published by: The Times of India - June, 18, 2026
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/nri/white-house-clears-final-reg-flexibility-for-international-students-in-terms-of-stay-and-studies-likely-to-be-curbed/articleshow/131837363.cms
Quotes and Excerpts from Rajiv in the article:
Can I enter the US on a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) and then change my status to F-1?
This is strongly discouraged. Entering the US on a visitor visa with the preconceived intent to convert to student status is considered misrepresentation and may result in a permanent bar from the United States.
Should I switch to a PhD program to use day-one CPT for employment, or rely on H-1B/L-1 processes?
Due to immigration uncertainty, it is advisable to plan only one step ahead. If you pursue a PhD with CPT, select a flexible program where CPT is not rigidly bound to an immediate start. If your employment is with a multinational company, explore L-1 visa options, as they offer distinct benefits, including automatic work authorization for spouses.
Is filing for a B-1 visa as a backup for F-1 status within the 60-day grace period a good idea?
This is "up in the air" and varies by case. Filing for B-1 might "dilute" the F-1 filing, and the regulations could potentially hurt the applicant later.