US plans to end post-study work visa, decision to affect over 3 lakh Indian students

A new bill introduced in the US Congress is sending shockwaves across the Indian student community, especially those enrolled in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs. The proposed legislation aims to dismantle the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international students to work in the United States for up to three years post-graduation. This move, if passed, could abruptly force thousands of Indian students to leave the country.

According to the Open Doors 2024 report, India is the largest contributor of international students in the US, with over 3.3 lakh students enrolled during the 2023–24 academic year. Out of these, nearly 97,556 students are on OPT — marking a massive 41% jump from the previous year. These students often rely on OPT to gain work experience and transition to long-term work visas like the H-1B.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader anti-immigration push linked to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign narrative, which heavily emphasizes visa restrictions and mass deportations. This has created a wave of uncertainty among F-1 and M-1 visa holders currently residing in the US. Many are scrambling to find jobs that would qualify them for the H-1B visa, which remains highly competitive and lottery-based.

Immigration expert Poorvi Chothani, founder of LawQuest, warns that if the bill becomes law, the OPT programme could be terminated without any provision for transition. “Students may have to leave the US immediately,” she cautioned. Without OPT, the financial hit could be severe — with many unable to repay their student loans due to the loss of high-paying US jobs post-study.

Universities are not taking any chances. Institutions such as Yale, Columbia, and Cornell have reportedly advised their international students to avoid travelling home during the summer break. The fear is that they may not be allowed re-entry into the US if changes to visa policies take effect mid-year.

For Indian students considering US education, this development signals a potential shift in post-graduate plans. If OPT is revoked, the US may begin resembling the UK system, where students are required to return home after completing their courses — making the American Dream a lot harder to chase.