8 April 2025: A new bill introduced in the United States Congress has sparked alarm among international students, particularly those pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses, by seeking to end Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work authorisation programme that lets them remain in the country for up to three years after graduation.
The move threatens to disrupt career prospects for thousands of Indian students in the US, who rely on OPT to gain professional experience and transition to longer-term employment visas, The Economic Times reported.
According to the Open Doors 2024 report, India emerged as the top country of origin for international students in the United States during the 2023–2024 academic year, with 331,602 students, a 23 per cent rise from the previous year.
Around 97,556 of these students participated in Optional Practical Training (OPT), reflecting a 41 per cent increase.
While earlier attempts to revoke OPT have failed, this bill comes amid a broader wave of anti-immigrant policy actions under the current administration.
Mass deportations and stricter visa controls form a key part of Donald Trump’s campaign promises, leading to unease among existing F-1 and M-1 visa holders.
Many of them are now urgently applying for roles that could help them convert their status to an H-1B visa, which is typically backed by major American and Indian tech firms, the report added.
Summary: Around 3 lakh Indian students may face uncertainty as the US government considers scrapping a key work visa pathway, impacting post-study employment opportunities.