3 Lakh Indian Students At Risk As US Moves To Scrap OPT Work Visa Program

A new US bill threatens to eliminate OPT, a lifeline for Indian students seeking job experience post-study. Experts warn of abrupt deportations and financial fallout.

April 8, 2025: A new bill introduced in the US Congress is sending shockwaves across the international student community, especially among the 3.3 lakh Indian students currently studying in the United States. The proposed legislation seeks to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program — a vital post-study work visa route that allows students to stay back and gain job experience for up to three years after graduation, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields.

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The move, widely seen as part of Donald Trump’s broader anti-immigration campaign, comes at a time when Indian students make up the largest group of international students in the US, according to the Open Doors 2024 report. Of the total, over 97,000 Indian students were availing the OPT route — a 41% jump from the previous academic year.

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“OPT Could End Abruptly”

Immigration expert Poorvi Chothani, founder of LawQuest, warned of serious consequences if the bill passes:

“If the bill goes through, OPT could end abruptly without an option to transition to another work visa. Students may have to leave the US immediately.”

She advised students on OPT to urgently seek H-1B sponsorships or consider opportunities in other countries, as the abrupt end of OPT could leave them stranded.

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Panic Among Students: Cancellations and Uncertainty

The fear of being denied re-entry has already prompted many Indian students to cancel summer travel plans. Elite universities like Cornell, Columbia, and Yale have reportedly advised their international students to avoid leaving the US during the break, according to the Economic Times.

Mass deportations and stricter visa controls have been key features of Trump’s campaign rhetoric, stoking fear among F-1 and M-1 visa holders, the primary student visa categories.

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Massive Financial Impact

Another concern is the financial hit students may face. Without OPT, many would lose out on years of high-paying US jobs, which often help them repay hefty education loans.

“Many students plan their finances around OPT salaries. The loss of this route could derail their long-term goals,” said Chothani.

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Expert Outlook

While previous attempts to scrap OPT have failed, experts believe the current political climate, especially under a Trump-led administration, poses a real risk.

Musk, who has long opposed tariffs and restrictive immigration policies, also appears at odds with Trump’s direction — signalling growing discontent even within the business community.

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