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A new bill in the US Congress aims to eliminate the OPT visa program for STEM students, leaving international graduates uncertain about their future work prospects. If passed, this change could disrupt career plans and impact global student interest in studying in the US.
In a move stirring concern across global student communities, a new bill introduced in the US Congress seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
This visa provision allows international students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to remain in the United States for up to three years after graduation while gaining work experience.
If passed, the bill could abruptly end this crucial bridge between education and employment, sending shockwaves through the higher education and tech industries.
What Is OPT, and Why Is It Crucial?
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 visa holders, enabling them to work in the US for one year after graduation. STEM graduates receive an additional 24-month extension, bringing the total to three years.
This period is often critical for students to:
• Gain valuable US work experience
• Repay student loans
• Secure long-term employment through H-1B work visa sponsorship
Currently, if students fail to transition to another visa like the H-1B, they must leave the country once their OPT expires.
Global Impact: Not Just Indian Students at Risk
While Indian students form the largest international student group in the US (over 300,000 in 2023–24, according to Open Doors 2024), this proposed bill could affect all international students on F-1 and M-1 visas.
Graduates from countries like China, South Korea, Nigeria, Brazil, and others who pursue degrees in STEM also rely heavily on OPT to kickstart their careers in the United States.
Why Did This Bill Spark Panic?
This isn’t the first attempt to curtail OPT, but the current proposal comes amid a broader anti-immigration agenda. With political rhetoric intensifying ahead of the US elections, students are growing anxious.
Some key developments:
• Mass deportations and tightened visa scrutiny are already in progress.
• F-1 visa holders are rushing to find employment that can sponsor them for an H-1B.
• International students are delaying or cancelling trips home, fearing issues with re-entry.
Several top universities—including Cornell, Columbia, and Yale—have unofficially advised students to avoid travel during the summer break.
Impact on Mental Health, Career Plans, and Loan Repayment
The looming uncertainty is reshaping campus conversations. Once focused on coding boot camps and research opportunities, student communities are now attending legal webinars and immigration Q&A sessions.
The biggest fallout? Losing access to US job markets, especially during the critical early career stage. Many students use their OPT period to:
• Build resumes
• Gain industry exposure
• Earn US-level salaries to repay $60,000+ annual tuition fees
If OPT is scrapped, many will be forced to leave the US immediately after graduation, derailing long-term plans.
Could This Shift Student Interest to Other Countries?
The US has long been a top destination for international students, but this development could change the tide.
• 20% rise in applications to non-US destinations such as Canada, the UK, and Europe has already been observed.
• Parents are now asking counselors for “future-proof” destinations that offer post-study work options.
Countries like Canada, with its generous Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and Germany, with its Blue Card pathway, are emerging as strong alternatives.
Universities and Employers Rally in Support
US colleges are stepping up by:
• Hosting immigration attorneys on campus
• Creating support networks for affected students
• Assisting with fast-tracking H-1B applications
Many US tech companies actively hire OPT candidates, not just for cost-efficiency but for the global talent and skills they bring to the workforce.
What Should Students Do Next?
For current OPT holders and upcoming graduates, it’s vital to:
• Seek an H-1B sponsorship early and participate in the visa lottery
• Consult immigration experts for personalized advice
• Explore career opportunities in countries with stable post-study visa policies
New students planning to study in the US must factor in this uncertainty and consider backup options.
Final Thoughts
This proposed bill, if passed, could radically change the post-study landscape for international students in the US. While the intent may be to tighten immigration controls, the consequence could be a massive brain drain and a shift in global academic trends.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/us-may-scrap-opt-work-permit-students-visa-update/
