US mulls ending work visa route; thousands of Indian students likely to face trouble
PTC Web Desk: A newly proposed Bill in the United States Congress has raised serious concerns among international students—especially those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines—by proposing the termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. This programme currently allows eligible students to work in the US for up to three years after completing their academic degrees.
According to The Economic Times, the Bill has created uncertainty for thousands of Indian students who depend on OPT to gain hands-on professional experience and transition to long-term work visas such as the H-1B. The move could disrupt career plans for many, given India’s growing footprint in US higher education.
Referencing the Open Doors 2024 report, the publication revealed that India is now the leading country of origin for international students in the US, with 331,602 Indian students enrolled during the 2023–2024 academic year—a 23% jump from the previous year. Of these, approximately 97,556 students participated in OPT, marking a 41% year-over-year increase.
While past efforts to dismantle the OPT programme have been unsuccessful, the current Bill is being introduced in the context of an increasingly restrictive immigration stance, particularly under the political influence of President Donald Trump. His re-election campaign includes promises of tighter visa regulations and mass deportations, further intensifying anxiety among F-1 and M-1 visa holders.
As per the report, many affected students are now urgently exploring job opportunities that may lead to an H-1B visa, typically sponsored by large US and Indian technology companies.
The Economic Times report also noted a shift in behaviour among Indian students, many of whom have called off their summer travel plans due to fears of being denied re-entry into the US. Prestigious institutions such as Yale, Columbia, and Cornell have reportedly advised international students to avoid overseas travel during upcoming academic breaks as a precautionary measure.
- With inputs from agencies
