F-1 Opt Speculated To Be Revamped, Thousands of Indian Students in Limbo

Hyderabad: The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with various lawmakers, is actively reviewing the F-1 OPT program, increasing concerns and uncertainty for thousands of Indian students.

The program currently allows students with F-1 visas to work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation, with STEM graduates eligible for a 24-month extension. The review is driven by concerns about labor market impact, national security and alleged abuse of the system.

Changes could include stricter eligibility rules, tighter oversight or even limits on the duration or scope of a work permit, DHS officials said.

In a letter to Missouri senator Eric Schmitt, then-DHS secretary Kristi Noem said: “DHS has indicated that it intends to re-evaluate the requirements for issuing practical training for foreign student visa holders through a rulemaking. The rule would propose modifying existing practical training regulations to protect U.S. workers from displacement by foreign nationals, address fraud and national security concerns, and increase the ability of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to oversee the program.”

Indian students are expected to be most affected by the proposed changes. Indians make up the second-largest group of nonimmigrants moving to the United States on F-1 visas and are the largest group in the OPT pipeline, accounting for nearly half of all participants in recent years.

Experts warn that any restriction or removal of OPT could seriously impact the return on investment of Indian students, many of whom take out significant loans to study in the US. Dinesh M., a consultant based in Hyderabad, said: “Without post-study work opportunities, it would be much harder for students to repay the huge loans they take out to go to the US.”

Political divisions further increase uncertainties. While some lawmakers have pushed to protect the program through legislation, others have called for ending it, arguing that it disadvantages American workers.