A newly proposed bill in the US Congress is creating widespread anxiety among global student communities, as it seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The OPT provision allows international students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields to stay in the US for up to three years post-graduation while gaining work experience.
If enacted, this legislation could abruptly cut off a critical link between academic achievement and professional development, severely impacting the higher education system and tech sector in the United States.
Understanding OPT and Its Importance
The OPT program offers temporary employment authorization to international students holding F-1 visas, enabling them to work in the US for one year following graduation. For students in STEM disciplines, there is an additional 24-month extension available, allowing a total of three years of practical training in the US.
This timeframe plays a pivotal role in helping international students:
Gain essential work experience in the US job market
Manage and begin repayment of education loans
Pursue long-term employment through H-1B visa sponsorship
Once their OPT period concludes, students who haven’t secured another visa status such as the H-1B are required to exit the US. The OPT period thus serves as both a professional stepping stone and a legal cushion for recent graduates.
Implications Beyond Indian Students
Although Indian nationals make up the largest segment of the international student population in the US—over 300,000 during the 2023–24 academic year, according to Open Doors 2024—the consequences of this bill would extend to all international students with F-1 and M-1 visas.
Students from China, South Korea, Brazil, Nigeria, and other countries, particularly those pursuing STEM degrees, depend on the OPT period to launch their careers in the US and repay their often substantial student loans. A sudden end to the program could disrupt countless academic and career trajectories.
The Growing Alarm Over the Bill
While this isn’t the first attempt to reduce or eliminate OPT, the timing and political context have heightened anxieties. The bill appears in the midst of a rising anti-immigration sentiment in the US, especially with the upcoming elections driving a more hardline approach.
Recent developments exacerbating these concerns include:
Increased deportations and more intense scrutiny of student visas
F-1 visa holders rushing to find employment that offers H-1B sponsorship
Students postponing or cancelling international travel due to fears of re-entry issues
Even elite institutions such as Yale, Columbia, and Cornell have reportedly advised students to avoid traveling abroad during the summer, fearing complications upon return.
Effects on Mental Wellbeing, Career Paths, and Loan Repayment
This uncertainty is dramatically changing conversations on university campuses. Where students once discussed topics like coding boot camps and summer internships, they are now flocking to immigration information sessions and legal Q&A forums.
The most immediate and profound impact is the potential loss of access to the US job market during a crucial early-career period. Many international students rely on the OPT years to:
Gain professional exposure
Strengthen their resumes
Earn income that helps offset tuition costs, which can exceed $60,000 annually
Losing OPT would force many students to leave the US right after graduation, throwing their career plans into disarray and making student loan repayment far more difficult.
Could This Redirect Students to Other Countries?
The United States has long held a reputation as the preferred destination for international students, but that dominance could face serious challenges if the OPT program is removed.
There’s already evidence of shifting interest, with a 20 percent increase in applications to other destinations such as Canada, the UK, and countries across Europe. Many parents are now actively asking educational counselors about alternatives that offer more reliable post-graduation work rights.
Countries like Canada, which offers a generous Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), and Germany, known for its Blue Card pathway, are becoming increasingly appealing for students who want both world-class education and viable career options afterward.
Support From Universities and Employers
Recognizing the threat posed by the potential elimination of OPT, US universities are taking proactive steps to support their international student communities. These include:
Organizing campus sessions with immigration attorneys
Establishing networks of support and guidance
Helping students accelerate their applications for the H-1B visa
On the employer side, many tech companies are openly voicing support for OPT. These firms not only benefit from the reduced costs of hiring international students on temporary work authorization but also value the global talent and expertise they bring.
Advice for Students in the Face of Uncertainty
Given the situation, international students—both current and prospective—are being advised to plan carefully. Those currently on OPT or close to graduation should:
Start the process of obtaining H-1B sponsorship early and participate in the visa lottery
Consult immigration attorneys or legal advisors for tailored advice
Explore alternative destinations offering stable and accessible work visa policies
For those planning to pursue education in the US, it is now essential to factor in the risk that the OPT program may be revoked and to have contingency plans in place.
Final Reflections
Should this bill pass, the implications for international students in the US would be profound. The proposed law could dismantle a key pathway from education to employment, jeopardizing the futures of thousands of students and possibly deterring many more from ever applying to study in the US.
While supporters of the bill may argue it aligns with efforts to tighten immigration policies, the reality could be far more damaging. It threatens to trigger a substantial brain drain and significantly alter global patterns in higher education and workforce development.
As the debate unfolds, students, families, educators, and employers alike are watching closely. One thing is clear—removing OPT would not just change lives, but reshape the role of the United States in the global education and tech talent ecosystem.