US Likely to Tighten OPT Work Permits, Raising Concerns Among Indian Students
2 Min Read
The United States is reportedly considering tightening the rules for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, raising concerns among nearly 70,000 Indian students currently studying in the country. The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of immigration policies, following reports of Indian nationals being deported for entering the US illegally.
The OPT programme has been a crucial pathway for international students on F-1 visas, allowing them to gain work experience and transition to H-1B visas. However, the Trump administration is expected to impose restrictions, which could impact the future of Indian students and professionals in the US.
Concerns Over OPT Programme
The OPT programme enables foreign students to work in the US before and after graduation, providing 12 months of work authorisation, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM students. The total allowable work period for eligible students is 36 months.
There is growing debate in the US regarding the programme’s fairness to American workers. In the 2022-2023 academic year, nearly 69,000 Indian students participated in OPT, but its future under Trump’s second term remains uncertain.
Proposed Changes to OPT
Currently, there is no cap on OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) participation. However, proposed changes could limit OPT eligibility to fields requiring practical training, subject universities to stricter oversight, and revoke certification from institutions with high visa overstay rates. These changes, as reported by News Cazt, could significantly impact Indian students.
Jessica M. Vaughan, Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, has criticised the OPT and CPT programmes, stating they should either be eliminated or more tightly regulated, according to Business Today.
Impact on Indian Students
The US has long been a top study destination for Indian students due to its vast career opportunities. However, with increased scrutiny, reports suggest many Indian students are now quitting part-time jobs in anticipation of stricter regulations. The potential changes add uncertainty to their future in the country, prompting concerns about their ability to gain work experience and secure long-term employment in the US.
Source: SHIKSHA
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