US May Scrap OPT Work Permit for International Students

On: Saturday, April 19, 2025 7:07 AM

US May Scrap OPT Work Permit for International Students

The future of more than three lakh Indian students studying in America is hanging in the balance – Know what is OPT program and why the demand to close it arose?

A big worrying news has come out for millions of international students studying in America. The US Parliament (Congress) is currently considering a bill, which if passed, will completely end the Optional Practical Training i.e. OPT program implemented in the country. This decision will have a direct impact on millions of students who want to gain experience by working there for some time after completing their studies in America. Especially the number of Indian students is the highest in this – more than three lakh.

Now the question arises – what is this OPT program and why is it being ended?

What is OPT program?

OPT i.e. Optional Practical Training is a program that gives international students studying in America an opportunity to work after completing their studies. Meaning, if a foreign student graduates from a university in America, then he can work in a company there for some time under the OPT program.

The special thing is that students of STEM field i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics get permission to work in America for three years under this program. Students of other fields usually get this facility for 12 months.

The purpose of this is that students can gain practical experience in their field and at the same time American companies can also get talented young professionals.

What will happen if the bill is passed?

If this new bill is passed, then the OPT program will be completely closed. This means that the students who complete their studies in America will have to either directly take H-1B visa or leave the country immediately and return to their country.

Now the process of H-1B visa is not easy. This visa is based on a kind of lottery system, in which lakhs of people apply every year but only a limited number of people get this visa.

This means that after completing their studies, students will have very limited options to live and work in America.

Imagine, you spent lakhs of rupees to get a master’s degree from America, and now you want to gain experience by working there through OPT – but suddenly the government says that this facility is now closed. This will be a shock for the students.

Direct impact on Indian students

Every year thousands of students from India go to America to study. Most of them plan to work for a few years through OPT after studies, then apply for H-1B visa or green card.

If OPT is closed, then this entire path will be closed.

Suppose, a student went to America after doing B.Tech from Bangalore and did his masters there. He paid lakhs of rupees as fees, bore the expenses of living and food. Now he was thinking that he will gain experience by working in America for 2-3 years through OPT, and will also earn money – but now the government is saying that OPT is over. In such a situation, the student will feel cheated.

Companies will also be affected

Many big companies of America such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook etc. hire OPT students every year. The companies benefit from this because they get smart, fresh and technology-savvy youth, that too at a low cost.

Companies do not have to pay some taxes on the employees working on OPT, such as FICA and Medicare tax.
This saves about 8% of the expenses of the companies.

Now if this program ends, then companies will either have to hire local employees, or sponsor H-1B visas – which is expensive and troublesome.

Trump administration policy

This initiative to close the OPT program is a part of the stance of former US President Donald Trump. In his last election campaign, Trump had promised that he would make America great again – “Make America Great Again”.

Under this, he took many decisions which were considered against immigrants. Such as:

Tightening the conditions of H-1B visa
Making the process of Green Card difficult
Imposing high import tax
And now the proposal to end the OPT program

Trump’s thinking is that only Americans should get jobs in America. He says that American youth are not able to get jobs because of foreign students.

But the truth is that students working on OPT are usually high-skilled and work in the technology sector, where there is a huge demand for talent anyway.

What will be the impact on America?

If America closes the OPT program, it will not only be harmful for the students but also for America itself. Why?

1. Brain drain will reverse

Smart students from all over the world will hesitate to come to America. They will prefer countries like Canada, Australia, Germany or UK, where better options are available for work after studies.

2. The income of American universities will decrease

American universities earn billions of dollars from international students every year. If students stop going there, the universities will suffer a financial setback.

3. The tech industry will not get talent

American tech companies need world class talent. OPT was a means through which companies used to get talent. Now they will not get such talent.

US May Scrap OPT Work Permit for International Students

What should students do?

For students who are currently in the US or are planning to go there, this is a very sensitive time. They should:

Keep an eye on new updates – keep checking the official websites of the US Immigration Department and the University.
Consider an alternate country – If OPT is discontinued in the US, consider applying in countries like Canada, Australia.
Understand the process of H-1B visa – If OPT is not available, then H-1B will be the only way. Understand its process and timeline.
Focus on skills and networking – The more skilled you are, the more likely it is that a company will sponsor H-1B.

Conclusion

The end of the OPT program is not just a government decision, but it can dash the dreams of millions of students. Especially for Indian students, who have studied in the US after years of hard work and spending lakhs.

Although it is only a proposal right now and is being debated in Parliament, but if it is passed, its impact will be very far-reaching.

Now it remains to be seen whether the US government gives priority to education or takes decisions only under domestic politics. But it is important for students to keep their options open and be prepared for the future.