U.S. May End OPT Work Program, 300,000 Indian Students at Risk
United States President Donald Trump has proposed another major policy change affecting foreign students pursuing education in American universities. He announced his intention to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a provision that currently allows international students to work in the United States for up to three years after completing their academic programs.
Trump has prepared a bill to this effect, and if approved by the United States Congress, the decision is expected to have far-reaching consequences for foreign students. Among those likely to be most affected are nearly 300,000 Indian students currently studying in the United States, whose futures now face uncertainty.
The proposed bill has triggered deep concern and anxiety among international students, who consider the OPT program a vital bridge between education and employment in the U.S.
The OPT program permits international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for up to three years following graduation. This post-study work opportunity has enabled students to secure jobs, often transitioning into longer-term employment through the H-1B visa system. Indian students, in particular, have benefited significantly from this pathway, using the work experience to qualify for H-1B visas either with the same employer or a different company.
Should the OPT program be eliminated, international students, including those from India, would be compelled to leave the country immediately upon completion of their courses. This sudden transition is expected to cause significant career and financial instability. Moreover, competition for the limited number of H-1B visas could intensify, making it harder for graduates to legally remain in the U.S. workforce.
Experts caution that the proposed bill could also adversely affect the United States itself. The OPT program is a key factor attracting international students to American universities, offering them a clear post-study work route that enhances the value of a U.S. degree. If this opportunity is withdrawn, the number of foreign students choosing to study in the United States may decline, impacting the revenue of educational institutions.
Additionally, U.S. companies may find it increasingly difficult to recruit skilled workers. Analysts argue that the annual quota of H-1B visas is insufficient to meet the human resource demands of American businesses.