US bill threatens work visas for 300,000 Indian students, causes panic.
A new bill introduced in the US Congress seeks to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently permits international STEM students, including more than 300,000 Indians, to work If the bill is passed, students would be required to leave the country immediately after completing their studies unless they successfully transition to an H-1B work visa. The proposal has sparked concern among international student communities and educational institutions.
Indian and other international students in the United States pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) could soon face the prospect of having to leave the country as soon as they finish their education. This follows the introduction of a new bill in the US Congress aimed at dismantling the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program—a policy that currently allows these students to remain in the US for up to three years post-graduation to seek employment opportunities.
The OPT program serves as a crucial bridge for international students, offering them practical work experience and a chance to transition into the US job market. For STEM graduates in particular, OPT grants a one-year work period, with an option to extend it by another 24 months if they are employed by a recognized US company. However, if this bill becomes law, such opportunities could vanish overnight, forcing students to depart the US unless they secure another legal route—typically the H-1B visa, a non-immigrant work visa that requires sponsorship from an employer.
While past attempts to terminate the OPT program have not succeeded, this latest push is gaining attention due to the broader political environment. The bill arrives at a time when the US administration—under growing influence from Donald Trump’s campaign—has been stepping up anti-immigration policies. Trump, who is seeking re-election, has pledged to escalate the hardline stance he adopted during his first term. This includes not only tightening legal immigration paths but also ramping up deportations and revisiting visa regulations.
Experts say the uncertainty surrounding the bill has caused significant anxiety among students currently in the US on F-1 and M-1 visas. Many are scrambling to find employment opportunities that could lead to H-1B visa sponsorship, particularly through major tech companies in the US and India. These firms are among the few equipped to support the complex H-1B application process. According to the Open Doors 2024 report, over 300,000 Indian students were enrolled in American universities during the 2023-24 academic year. A substantial portion of them—nearly one-third—are believed to be eligible for OPT benefits.
Poorvi Chothani, managing partner at LawQuest, an immigration law firm based in Florida, emphasized the gravity of the proposed changes. “For STEM graduates, this can be extended by two more years, provided they work with a qualified US employer. If the proposed legislation is enacted, the OPT program could be eliminated without any transitional pathway. That would mean international students would have no choice but to exit the US once their studies end.”
Currently, students who are not enrolled in STEM programs already face limitations under the existing OPT structure. They must leave the country within a year of finishing their academic program if they do not find a viable alternative, such as an H-1B visa. The new legislation threatens to impose similar restrictions on STEM graduates, potentially disrupting their career trajectories and long-term aspirations.
The potential end of OPT could also have far-reaching consequences for the US tech industry and academic institutions. Universities rely heavily on international students for tuition revenue and diversity, while tech firms often recruit from this talent pool due to the specialized skills international graduates bring. Experts argue that ending OPT could create a talent vacuum in critical sectors like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotechnology.
Critics of the bill argue that it is politically motivated and part of a broader agenda to curb legal immigration under the guise of protecting American jobs. However, multiple studies have shown that international students and skilled immigrants often complement the domestic workforce rather than displacing it. They contribute significantly to innovation, entrepreneurship, and research—areas where the US has traditionally led.
Supporters of the legislation, however, contend that the OPT program gives international students an unfair advantage in the job market and may lead to abuse. They believe that restricting post-study work options will help prioritize employment for American citizens and prevent exploitation of student visa pathways.
For now, the bill remains in its early stages and must go through several legislative hurdles before it can become law. But its mere introduction has created a climate of fear and urgency among international students, particularly those nearing graduation. Many are speeding up their job searches, contacting immigration attorneys, and seeking clarification from university advisors.
Universities across the US are also watching the developments closely. Several academic institutions and advocacy groups are expected to lobby against the bill, highlighting the value international students bring to campus life and the broader economy. Educational leaders warn that repealing OPT could make the US a less attractive destination for global talent, potentially benefiting countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK, which offer more favorable post-study work options.
In conclusion, the proposed bill to eliminate the OPT program could mark a significant shift in US immigration policy, particularly affecting international STEM students. As debates unfold, thousands of students from India and other countries await clarity, hoping the program that supports their professional goals will survive yet another challenge.