A new bill has been introduced, which indicates that the US May Scrap OPT Work Permit for International Students. This action of the US Congress leaves international graduates uncertain about their future work prospects in different fields.
It has been assumed that if it passes, this will completely disrupt career plans & impact global student interests in studying in the United States. Read the article below to learn more about the policies that the authorities may introduce.
US May Scrap OPT Work Permit for International Students
Everyone is concerned about the global student communities; the US Congress has introduced a new bill to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
Generally, these provisions allow international students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) to remain in the country for work experience after three years of graduation.
If this bill passes, it will completely end the critical bridge between education and employment, sending shockwaves through the higher education and tech industries.
Optional Practical Training Program & Its Significance 2025
Many students who are worried about the new bill, which is expected to be passed in the US Senate, want to know about the OPT. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary authorization for F-1 Visa holders that allows them to work in the US for one year after their graduation.
International students who graduate from STEM will get an additional 24 months, totaling a three-year program, to gain work experience in different companies in the US.
This period is very important for students to:
- Gain experience in specific fields
- Repay their loans
- Secure long-term employment through H-1B Work Visa
Global Impact: Not Only Indian Students at Risk
Indian students form the largest group of international students ( around 300,000 in 2023-24, according to Open Doors 2024); this bill could impact students on a large scale, including F-1 and M-1 visa holders.
People who graduated from other countries like China, South Korea, Nigeria, Brazil, and others who pursue degrees in STEM also rely entirely on new bills to start their careers on different paths in the United States employment system.
Why did this bill Spark Panic In 2025
We can assume that this proposal isn’t the first attempt of the US administration to curtail OPT. However, the current proposal includes an anti-immigration plan for students who work in the US based on their specific visas. Students are growing worried, with the political rhetoric intensifying ahead of the US elections.
Some key developments are:
- Mass deportations of students and tightening visa scrutiny are already in progress.
- F-1 visa holders are now rushing towards sponsored employment that can help them with H-1B visas.
- International Students are delaying or cancelling their trips home, fearing re-entry.
- Some of the top universities, like Cornell, Columbia, and Yale, have unofficially advised their students to avoid travel during summer breaks in 2025.
Impact on Mental Health, Career Plans & Loan Repayments
The new bill has created considerable uncertainty in international students’ minds in US universities. Once focused on boot camps and coding opportunities, students now attend legal webinars and immigration Q&A sessions.
The most significant fallout for the students is losing the US Job market, especially during the early growth years of their careers. Some students use their OPT for:
- Building Strong Resume
- Gain industry experience
- Earning US-level salaries to repay their $66,000 annual tuition fees
So, we should know that if OPT gets scraped, many students will need to leave the United States immediately after graduation, which will derail their long-term plans.
What Students Should Do Next
For students who are OPT holders or upcoming graduates, it is essential to:
- Look out for an H-1b visa sponsorship early and participate in the visa lottery.
- You need to consult with the Immigration experts for personalized advice.
- Students can also explore career options in countries with stable post-study visa policies.
New Updates On The US May Scrap OPT Work Permit 2025
The new bill in which it has been assumed that the US may Scrap the OPT Work Permit for International students has not officially passed. But if passed, it would radically impact the post-study landscape for international students in the US. While the bill intends to tighten immigration controls, it could lead to a brain drain and a massive shift in global academic trends.
FAQs
Is the new bill of curtailing OPT passed?
Not yet, but it is expected to be passed soon.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training is the temporary authorization for F-1 visa holders to work an extra year in the US after graduation.
What can students do to avoid the impact of scarp OPT?
Seek H-1B visa sponsorship early and consult immigration experts.