A proposed $70,000 OPT fee raises questions for international students considering U.S. study-to-work pathways. Explore the potential impact on OPT, graduate employment, and long-term immigration planning.

Understand EB-5 visa availability through the latest I-526E data, Rural and High Unemployment Area trends, Visa Bulletin movement, and key timing considerations for investors.

The Trump Administration is reportedly considering a proposal that would impose a $100,000 fee on international students seeking to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after graduating from a U.S. university. If implemented, the proposal could significantly increase the cost of obtaining post-graduation work authorization. The proposal remains under review at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and no final decision has been announced. This come

The Department of State has posted the July 2026 Visa Bulletin. The Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) visa categories are as below: Chart A: Mainland China - EB-5 Unreserved category moved forward 70 days with the priority date of December 1, 2016. India - EB-5 Unreserved category became UNAVAILABLE for July 2026. All EB-5 set aside categories remain CURRENT. Chart B: Mainland China - EB-5 Unreserved category remains the same with the priority date of March 1, 2017. In

ARCFE and iCross Capital joined United Construction & Development Group to celebrate the groundbreaking of The Vera, the AG21/AG22 residential development in Long Island City, Queens.

For nearly half a century, international students in the U.S. have operated under the Duration of Status (D/S) framework. That longstanding policy may now be subject to significant change. On May 5, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) submitted a final rule affecting F, J and I nonimmigrant classifications to the OMB/OIRA for federal review. The proposed regulatory shift would replace the current D/S system, which permits individuals to remain in the U.S. for as l

A 2025 report by PincusCo ranked iCross Capital, ARCFE’s parent company, 35th out of 105 lending institutions in NYC, highlighting the firm’s growing presence and expertise in one of the most competitive and sophisticated real estate markets in the world. The report noted that NYC construction lending activity surged in 2025, with lenders providing over $23.3B across 344 deals, reflecting strong demand for experienced capital partners capable of navigating complex developme

The Department of State has posted the June 2026 Visa Bulletin. The Employment-Based Fifth Preference (EB-5) visa categories are as below: Chart A: · Mainland China - EB-5 Unreserved category remains the same with the priority date of September 22, 2016. · India - EB-5 Unreserved category remains the same with the priority date of May 1, 2022. · All EB-5 set aside categories remain CURRENT. Chart B: · Mainland China - EB-5 Unreserved category remains the same with the priorit

In recent weeks, a proposed bill in Iowa has drawn significant attention from Chinese international students and families planning long-term careers and residency pathways in the U.S. The legislation, known as HF 2513, would prohibit public universities in Iowa from entering into new employment agreements with certain H-1B visa holders from a list of designated countries. The bill has already passed the Iowa House of Representatives and has advanced through the Senate Labor C