OPT Work Permits at Risk: Over 3 Lakh Indian Students Could Be Affected
OPT Work Permits at Risk: Over 3 Lakh Indian Students Could Be Affected
A new proposal in the US Congress has raised concerns for thousands of Indian students studying in America. The changes suggested in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program could affect over 300,000 Indian students, forcing many to leave the country.
The House Committee on Education and the Workforce has introduced a bill called the ‘Dignity for Immigrant Students Act’. This bill proposes major restrictions on the OPT program. If passed, it could end or limit the work rights given to international students after graduation.
The OPT program allows international students to work in the US in their field of study after completing their degree.
- – For most students, the OPT period is one year.
- – For students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses, this can be extended to three years.
Currently, students use this time to gain job experience or apply for longer-term work visas.
Under the new proposal, many international students might have to leave the US immediately after graduation. This would drastically reduce their chances of gaining practical job experience in the US.
According to the Open Doors 2024 report, more than 300,000 Indian students were enrolled in US institutions during the 2023-24 academic year. Nearly one-third of them are on OPT.
If the proposed changes go through, thousands of Indian students could lose their work permits and face uncertainty about their future in the US.
