If you’re an international student planning to study in the United States, you might feel uncertain about recent policy updates. Many students worldwide have questions about the F-1 student visa, OPT work permits, and H-1B eligibility.
The good news is this: the USA remains open and welcoming to international students. Your path from F-1 to H-1B status is still active, and full of opportunity.
At UniApplyNow, we want every student to know they’re still welcome here. Our mission is to help you reach your academic and career goals in the U.S. with confidence, clarity, and personalized support. With UniApplyNow, you will benefit from a straightforward and transparent application process. Supported by expert academic advising and free from any hidden or processing fees.
In this blog, we’ll explain how the F-1 and H-1B visas work. We will highlight the latest USCIS updates, and explore STEM employment trends across the United States. You’ll also gain insights into how these changes impact your academic and career journey, and how UniApplyNow can support you every step of the way.
USA is still welcoming F-1 students
The F-1 Student Visa is the most common visa for international students studying in the United States. It allows students from around the world to study full-time at an accredited U.S. college, university, or language school. With an F-1 Visa, you can live and study in the U.S. while pursuing an academic program that matches your career goals.
To qualify, students must first receive acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. After receiving the Form I-20, you can apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The F-1 Visa is used by students studying programs such as:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees
- English language training courses
- Academic or professional certificate programs
Unlike other visas, the F-1 Visa also allows for practical work experience through programs like CPT (Curricular Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training), giving students the chance to gain real-world experience in their field.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students choose the U.S. for its world-class education, diverse culture, and career opportunities. Despite global changes, the U.S. remains open and welcoming to ambitious students ready to shape their future here.
F-1 Status and H-1B Eligibility – What International Students Need to Know
After graduation, many students find themselves asking, “What’s next?” Understanding your F-1 status and H-1B eligibility helps you plan a clear career path in the U.S.
Your F-1 Visa allows you to stay in the U.S. during your studies and for a short period after graduation, known as the grace period. During this time, you can apply for OPT, which lets you work for up to 12 months in a field related to your degree. If you studied a STEM program, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work experience in the U.S.
Many students use this time to build experience and prepare to apply for the H-1B Visa, a temporary work visa for specialized occupations. The H-1B allows U.S. employers to hire international graduates with specific skills, especially in areas like engineering, technology, and healthcare.
This pathway, from F-1 to OPT to H-1B, helps international students gain professional experience, expand their networks, and start their U.S. career journey. It’s one of the most common routes toward long-term employment and residency opportunities in the United States.
As you may have seen in recent news, many stories about U.S. visa changes have caused confusion and concern. The proposed $100,000 H-1B fee mentioned online is not an official U.S. government cost. It comes from a private sector idea or legislative proposal, not a real immigration fee. For F-1 students applying for H-1B through their employers after OPT or STEM OPT, nothing changes. You only face the standard USCIS filing fees, which are paid by your sponsoring employer, not by you. So don’t worry — F-1 students are not affected by the rumored $100,000 H-1B fee.
STEM Employment Trends Across the U.S.
STEM careers (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are among the fastest-growing fields in the United States. Today, the demand for skilled professionals in areas like data science, computer engineering, healthcare, and renewable energy is higher than ever.
According to U.S. labor data, STEM jobs are projected to grow faster than non-STEM jobs over the next decade. This is great news for international students on F-1 and H-1B Visas, especially those completing STEM programs.
Employers across the U.S. actively seek graduates with strong technical and analytical skills, talents that many international students bring to the table.
Cities such as San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and Austin are major hubs for innovation and technology, offering thousands of openings in top companies. Even smaller cities are expanding their STEM job markets, creating opportunities in software development, biotechnology, and clean energy.
International graduates who obtain practical experience through OPT often find it easier to transition to H-1B positions in the future. These trends show that the U.S. continues to value global talent, innovation, and the diverse perspectives that international students contribute.
How UniApplyNow Supports International Students on This Journey
Every student deserves a clear path to success. Our technology driven ecosystem empowers international students to apply to U.S. universities with confidence. Free from any hidden costs or processing fees
With UniApplyNow, you can explore OHLA in the U.S. or ILAC in Canada to complete the required English proficiency level prior to transitioning to your chosen university without IELTS or TOEFL. At UniApplyNow we go beyond technology. We’re an English language pathway that helps students open doors to world-class universities in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
If you already have IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo or other accepted English language proficiency score, our university advisors will assist you with the complete application process to the chosen university. This service is available for international students from all academic and demographic backgrounds.
From your first application to your F-1 Visa guidance, our advisors are here every step of the way. We help you find programs that match your academic goals, budget, and long-term career plans. For many students, this includes discovering STEM programs that lead to OPT and H-1B opportunities after graduation.
Our team understands the unique challenges of studying abroad, visa requirements, document preparation, and cultural adaptation. That’s why we simplify it all through one connected system.
Through UniApplyNow, you can:
- Compare top U.S. Canadian and European universities and programs instantly.
- Receive personalized support from trusted advisors.
- Track applications in real time.
- Get expert guidance on F-1 Visa preparation and interviews.
- Explore career pathways aligned with OPT and H-1B eligibility.
Our mission is simple, to make global education accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone. Whether you dream of becoming an engineer in Silicon Valley or a researcher in Boston, UniApplyNow helps you get there faster.
We don’t just help students study abroad, we walk beside them until they reach their destination and build their future — academically and beyond.
⭐Read our latest announcement. UniApplyNow is no longer charging processing fees. Contact us now for more information.
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