Trump Admin Calls for End of OPT Program, Raising Concerns for International Students
Recently, the US Senator Chuck Grassley asked to end work authorisations for international students. This is a big statement that will impact international students coming to USA to eventually enter the US job market. It is assumed that the US senator has requested to end the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for foreign students, as it is one of the most well-known work authorization programs that international students utilize. The OPT scheme allows international graduates to stay and work in the USA temporarily after completing their studies. If this proposal gets approved, it could not only impact international students but also US universities and the economy. After the recent H1B visa fee hike and the proposal to exempt international students from the OPT tax, this will create uncertainty among the students. Read along to understand what the US Senator asked the government and how OPT is important for international students.
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US Senator Asks to End OPT
Even though the US Senator Grassley did not directly mention ending the OPT program in USA, he aimed at ending work authorization for international students. He stated that student visas should only enable international students to study in the country. The US senator stated the unemployment rate of 22 to 27-year-old males in USA as per the Federal Reserve data. The study revealed that eleven though these males earn a degree, the unemployment rate is the same if compared to someone who does not have a degree. Moreover, the study also stated that STEM graduates in USA are more likely to be unemployed. It is noticed that Chuck Grassley thought of this proposal after the research done by Georgetown University. According to the study, by 2032, US economy will see a negative impact as there will be a shortage of 5.35 million workers who have postsecondary education. It is anticipated that the most affected professions will include managerial and professional occupations such as teaching, nursing, and engineering.
Grassley also expressed concerns about national security, highlighting instances where foreign nationals, especially from China, have reportedly exploited study and work programs for technological espionage. He pointed out that over 33,000 Chinese students in STEM fields have been granted work authorizations under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, raising alarms about potential risks to US innovation and technology.
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Why is OPT Important for International Students?
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students on F1 visas to work in their field of study after graduation. The OPT duration is for 12 months and students who have a STEM degree can extend their OPT to 36 months. For many international students, OPT helps them transition into the H1B visa for long-term work opportunities. According to NAFSA, international students contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy and supported over 3,78,000 jobs in the 2023–24 academic year. About 250,000 students participated in OPT during that period, which is nearly 22% of all international students in the country.
If OPT is ended, then it could have a major impact on international students coming to study in USA, US universities, and the economy. It could make the USA a less attractive study abroad destination. Furthermore, if the number of international students declines in USA then it could also lead to labour shortages. Major sectors such as technology, healthcare, and research will be impacted. Universities also warn that international student enrollment supports not only campus diversity but also the institutions that depend on tuition from international students.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is STEM OPT?
A:
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. All international students who have completed STEM courses and are opting for the OPT program can get their OPT extension. Usually, OPT duration is 12 months; however, with the OPT extension, the duration is extended to an additional 36 months.
Q: Can I go from OPT to green card?
A:
Directly switching from OPT to a green card is not possible. However, you have to complete various pathways to achieve the green card which is the permanent residency in USA. The most common pathway used by international students is completing OPT, then transitioning to H1B and then achieving the green card.
Q: How long can I stay in the US after my OPT ends?
A:
After the OPT program ends in USA, students are provided with a grace period of 60 days to transition into the next step. In these 60 days, students can not work. They can either go back to their country, transfer into a new school or apply for a new type of visa.
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