OPT in Crisis: Why Indian Students in the US Could Be the Hardest Hit
For decades, the U.S. has been the top dream destination for Indian students. The mix of world-class universities, global exposure, and the chance to stay on and work after graduation made America the obvious first choice. At the heart of this opportunity lies Optional Practical Training (OPT) — a bridge that lets international graduates gain valuable work experience before moving on to long-term visas like the H-1B.
But now, this bridge looks shaky. With the U.S. government tightening F-1 visa compliance and increasing scrutiny on OPT, Indian students — who make up one of the largest groups using this pathway — find themselves facing more uncertainty than ever.
Why This Matters So Much for Indians
Indian students are one of the largest international groups in the U.S. — more than 300,000 are currently studying there (HESA, 2023). For many families, the U.S. is not just about the education, it’s about the career after. OPT makes the investment feel worthwhile, because it gives graduates the chance to work, gain experience, and often transition into longer-term visas.
Now, with stricter rules on employer checks, compliance reporting, and the risk of visas being cancelled if anything goes wrong, that sense of security is slipping away (Times of India, 2025). Even honest mistakes — like late reporting — could have serious consequences.
What’s at Stake
This shake-up isn’t just about students losing opportunities. It also raises bigger questions about America’s role in attracting global talent. OPT graduates have contributed massively to the U.S. economy — from working in Fortune 500 companies to founding start-ups and pushing research forward (Altbach & de Wit, 2021). If OPT becomes too risky or unreliable, Indian students (and others) may simply look elsewhere.
And that’s already happening. Countries like Canada, the U.K., and parts of Europe are becoming more attractive, partly because their post-study work routes are simpler and more predictable (QS India Report, 2022).
What Students Can Do Now
While no one can control U.S. policy, students can take steps to protect themselves:
Stay on top of rules: Make sure all SEVP and visa requirements are met on time.
Choose employers carefully: Work only with legitimate, verifiable companies.
Have a Plan B: Consider internships, research opportunities, or even alternate destinations.
Build strong networks: Alumni, mentors, and professional contacts can help open compliant, reliable doors.
A Turning Point
This crisis could end up being a turning point. For Indian students, it’s a reminder not to put all eggs in one basket. Diversifying destinations, being more strategic, and weighing the risks is now essential. For the U.S., it’s a test of whether short-term immigration politics will cost them long-term talent.
OPT has always been more than just a work permit — it’s been a symbol of opportunity. If that opportunity shrinks, America risks losing not just students, but the innovation and leadership they bring with them.
References
Altbach, P. G. & de Wit, H. (2021). Internationalisation of Higher Education: Past and Future. International Higher Education, 107(1), pp. 5–8.
HESA (2023). Where do HE students come from?. Higher Education Statistics Agency.
QS India Report (2022). International Student Mobility Trends in India. London: QS Intelligence Unit.
Times of India (2025). OPT in Crisis: Why Indian Students in the US Could Be the Hardest Hit by F-1 Visa Shake-up. Times of India, 22 August.
