Big visa change ahead? US plans to scrap this visa route — How Indians will be hit

A proposed bill in the United States Congress aims to terminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a move that could significantly impact international students, particularly those from India. The OPT program allows students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation, providing valuable professional experience and a pathway to longer-term employment visas.

Understanding the OPT program

For overseas students studying in the United States, particularly those pursuing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects, the OPT program is an essential component. With a one-year starting period that can be extended by two years for STEM graduates working with eligible US firms, it allows graduates to obtain real-world job experience relevant to their field of study.

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Potential impact on Indian students

India has emerged as the leading country of origin for international students in the U.S. Records add that the number of Indian students enrolled in US colleges increased by 23% to about 331,602 during the 2023–2024 academic year. Approximately 97,556 of these students took part in the OPT program, which is a noteworthy increase of 41%.

For Indian students, the proposed discontinuation of the OPT program could have a number of effects, such as:

Career disruptions: Without the opportunity to gain US work experience through OPT, students may face challenges in securing employment, potentially hindering their career progression.

Financial strain: Many students rely on US employment to repay substantial student loans. The inability to work post-graduation could lead to financial hardships.

Visa uncertainty: The bill's alignment with broader immigration policy changes, such as tighter limitations on visas and the possibility of mass deportations, has caused anxiety among holders of F-1 and M-1 visas.

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Given these developments, many students are now urgently exploring job opportunities that provide H-1B visa sponsorship. However, the H-1B process remains highly competitive, with a limited number of slots available each year.

Legal experts have expressed concerns about the abrupt nature of the proposed changes. They are of the view that in case the bill passes, students may have to leave the US immediately without an option to transition to another work visa. Additionally, apprehensions about re-entry have led many students to cancel travel plans. Also, due to the uncertainty surrounding visa statuses, prestigious universities such as Yale, Cornell, and Columbia have reportedly warned international students from traveling during academic breaks.

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Broader implications

The potential termination of the OPT program could have wider ramifications:

US job market: International students contribute significantly to the US workforce, particularly in STEM fields. Their absence could exacerbate skill shortages in critical industries.

International education appeal: The US has long been a preferred destination for higher education. Policy changes that limit post-graduation work opportunities may deter prospective international students, impacting the diversity and financial stability of U.S. educational institutions.

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With Indian students likely to be among the most impacted, the proposed measure to terminate the OPT program creates a great deal of uncertainty for overseas students studying in the US. In such a scenario, it's encouraged that students keep themselves updated, consult their institutions for advice, and then find out the right move ahead.