A new bill introduced in the US Congress is causing widespread concern among international students—especially the 300,000+ Indian students currently enrolled in American universities. The proposal seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows students to work in the US after graduation.
What Is OPT and Why It Matters
OPT is a post-study work authorisation that gives international students—particularly those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)—the right to stay and work in the US for up to three years after completing their degrees.
For most students, this period is crucial for:
- Gaining professional experience
- Repaying education loans
- Applying for long-term work visas like the H-1B
If the bill passes, this critical career pathway would be blocked, forcing students to leave the US immediately after graduation unless they have other legal options.
What the Bill Proposes
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A complete shutdown of the OPT programme
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No work stay for F-1 visa holders post-graduation
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Greater difficulty in transitioning to H-1B or permanent work visas
Why Indian Students Are Worried
Indian students make up the second-largest group of foreign students in the US, and many are nearing graduation. They’re now scrambling to secure job offers from companies willing to sponsor H-1B visas, which are limited and lottery-based.
With no OPT, students lose the time buffer to:
- Gain experience
- Find an employer
- Adjust their immigration status
A Shift in Global Study Trends
This isn’t the first time OPT has come under fire. During Donald Trump’s presidency, similar proposals were introduced but failed to pass. However, the rising anti-immigration sentiment in US politics has revived fears.
Many students are now considering alternative destinations like Canada, Germany, and Australia, which offer more stable post-study work options.
Why This Matters
Experts warn that scrapping OPT could:
- Hurt the US’s reputation as a top destination for higher education
- Create talent shortages in critical sectors
- Discourage innovation by cutting off fresh international talent
Bottom Line
For now, the bill is just a proposal, but it reflects growing support for tighter immigration controls. Indian students—many of whom have spent years working toward a US degree—are left in limbo, anxiously watching how the debate unfolds.
