Indian Students in the US Face Uncertainty as Work Visa Program Faces Termination

A newly proposed bill in the United States Congress has sparked widespread concern among international students, particularly those from India, as it seeks to abolish the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program currently allows international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation, providing them with valuable professional experience and a pathway to long-term employment visas.

India, which has emerged as the leading source of international students in the US, sent over 331,000 students during the 2023–2024 academic year, according to the Open Doors report. Of these, approximately 97,556 students participated in the OPT program, marking a significant 41% increase from the previous year. The proposed bill threatens to disrupt the career aspirations of thousands of Indian students who rely on OPT to gain industry exposure and repay substantial education loans.

The bill, introduced amidst a broader wave of anti-immigration policies, has created anxiety among F-1 and M-1 visa holders. Many students are now scrambling to secure H-1B visas, which are typically sponsored by major American and Indian tech firms. Immigration experts have warned that if the bill is passed, students may be forced to leave the US immediately after completing their studies, as no alternative work visa options would be available.

Poorvi Chothani, founder of the immigration law firm LawQuest, highlighted the potential financial and professional impact of the bill. “Without OPT, students could lose out on years of US-level salaries, which are often critical for repaying hefty student loans,” she stated. Chothani also advised students to expedite their transition to H-1B visas or explore opportunities in countries with more favorable immigration policies.

The proposed legislation has also raised concerns among US universities, which fear a decline in international student enrollment. Prestigious institutions such as Columbia and Yale have reportedly advised their international students to avoid traveling home during academic breaks, fearing re-entry restrictions.

As the debate over the bill continues, Indian students in the US face an uncertain future, with many reconsidering their plans for higher education and employment in the country. The outcome of this legislation could have far-reaching implications for the global mobility of talent and the US’s position as a preferred destination for international students.