A new bill introduced in the US Congress is stirring anxiety among Indian and international students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The proposed legislation aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently enables graduates on student visas to stay in the United States and gain work experience for up to three years after completing their studies.
OPT has served as a crucial bridge between academia and employment, especially for students holding F-1 and M-1 visas. However, with this new legislative threat, many students now face the grim possibility of having to leave the country immediately after graduation if they fail to secure another type of visa. The bill comes at a time when the US administration, under President Donald Trump’s continued influence, is pursuing a series of strict immigration measures, including mass deportations. These policies align with Trump’s earlier campaign promises to tighten immigration, a move that began during his first term and appears to be intensifying again.
Legal experts and advisors have observed rising panic among current international students, particularly those from India. Many are scrambling to secure jobs that would allow them to shift from OPT to H-1B work visas, which are typically sponsored by large American and Indian tech firms. The urgency stems from the potential abrupt termination of OPT without viable alternatives.
According to the latest Open Doors 2024 report, over 300,000 Indian students were enrolled in US universities during the 2023-24 academic year. Of these, nearly one-third qualify for OPT, highlighting the widespread impact the bill could have on the Indian student community.
“OPT allows students to find jobs in the US for one year after they graduate and may be extended for another two years provided you are a STEM graduate and are working with a qualified US employer,” explained Poorvi Chothani of LawQuest, an immigration law firm based in Florida. “If the bill goes through, OPT could end abruptly without an option to transition to another work visa. Students may have to leave the US immediately.”
At present, students who are not in STEM fields are allowed to remain in the US for only a year following graduation. The elimination of OPT would affect STEM students more severely since they currently enjoy an extended work authorization of up to three years.
Chothani emphasized that OPT visa holders must now move quickly to transition to H-1B status as soon as possible if they are selected in the annual lottery. Otherwise, they will need to seek job opportunities in other countries. She also warned that incoming students may need to prepare for a scenario resembling the United Kingdom’s policies, where graduates are expected to leave the country upon completing their education.
“The biggest fallout, though, will be missing out on work opportunities and the ability to earn a US salary for a couple of years or so to pay back hefty student loans,” said Chothani.
The potential dismantling of OPT is taking a psychological toll on Indian students currently in the US. “They are all now clouded with doubt,” said Adarsh Khandelwal, cofounder of Collegify, a platform that supports students planning to study abroad.
This uncertainty is already disrupting student routines and decisions. “Conversations once dominated by case competitions and coding bootcamps are now replaced with legal webinars and immigration forums,” said Khandelwal. The Economic Times previously reported that Indian students are rethinking their travel plans during summer breaks, with many canceling their trips home for fear that they might face challenges re-entering the US. Top-tier institutions like Cornell, Columbia, and Yale have unofficially recommended that international students avoid leaving the country during this period of uncertainty.
Despite these complications, the US remains the top choice for Indian students studying overseas. However, the growing restrictions under the Trump administration have prompted some to look elsewhere. Advisors and consultants are observing a notable shift in interest toward alternative destinations such as Canada and various European countries. According to experts, Indian applications to non-US countries have increased by 20% for the 2025 and 2026 academic cycles.
With these changing trends, families are becoming more cautious and focused on long-term security after graduation. “Families are seeking post-study certainty. Studying in the US is not cheap as it requires a yearly investment of $60,000,” Khandelwal pointed out.
In terms of economic contribution, international students continue to play a significant role in the US. Data from NAFSA: Association of International Educators revealed that during the 2023-2024 academic year, foreign students contributed a record $43.8 billion to the US economy and supported nearly 378,175 jobs. These numbers underscore the financial and workforce impact of international students, especially those utilizing programs like OPT.
Legal experts argue that the removal of OPT could hurt the US economy by driving talent elsewhere. “Additionally, numerous companies employ OPT candidates primarily due to their skills and abilities, rather than solely relying on purported cost-saving loopholes,” noted Keshav Singhania, head of private clients at Singhania & Co, a legal firm.
Singhania warned that eliminating the OPT program would lead to a displacement of skilled talent to other nations that offer more favorable immigration policies for international graduates. Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany already present attractive post-study work options, and without OPT, the US could find itself losing its competitive edge in attracting global talent.
In response to growing student concerns, US universities are ramping up support systems. Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, a platform that assists students in navigating international education, said colleges are stepping in to provide legal guidance. “US colleges are hosting immigration attorneys, providing guidance and creating support networks to help anxious students,” he said.
The uncertainty surrounding OPT has not only rattled current students but also created hesitation among prospective applicants. Many are now questioning the long-term benefits of investing heavily in a US education when post-study work opportunities may be curtailed.
As the situation develops, much hinges on whether the bill will gain legislative traction. Past attempts to eliminate or restrict OPT have failed, but the current climate of heightened immigration enforcement raises the stakes. Until more clarity emerges, Indian students and their families are left navigating a complex and unstable path, trying to make the best possible decisions in an increasingly unpredictable environment.