Trump Administration Proposes To End Work Permit For International Students After H1B Visa Fees Hike
In a shocking turn of events, US Senator Chuck Grassley has called for an end to work permits for international students in USA on F1 visas. Trump’s administration has led a massive anti-immigration policy against foreign students, imposing constant changes. Now, just a few weeks after the H1B visa fees hike of USD 1,00,000, the Donald Trump government has again urged the Department of Homeland Security to end work permits for student visa holders who ‘compete against Americans’. This change could impact a significant number of Indian students studying in USA by upending their careers and post-study work opportunities.
This Story also Contains
- US to End Work Permits for Foreigners After H-1B Fee Hike: What is this proposal?
- Potential Impact of Ending Work Permits for International Students
- Conclusion: US Immigration Changes For Ending Work Permit for International Students
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There are around 372,424 Indian students currently enrolled in US universities and colleges, according to MEA and US SEVIS Mapping Pool Data in June 2025. Also, there are an estimated 5,40,000 students with a significant portion from India working in USA under OPT, STEM OPT and CPT training programs. With 71% of the total H1B approved visas received by Indians in 2024, there are so many on the line through this proposal; if passed, they could lose their PSW pathways in US with a disrupted US industry that relies on global talent.
So, what could it mean for Indian students in USA? Is this proposal an indication of the end of the American dream for Indian students? We have mentioned the prospects of the Chuck Grassley proposal to end work permits for foreign students after Trump’s H-1B fee hike in this article.
Also Read:
US to End Work Permits for Foreigners After H-1B Fee Hike: What is this proposal?
Republican senator Chuck Grassley has called on DHS to stop giving work permits to international students in USA in the woke to offer less competition to Americans. Trump’s government, just a few weeks back, announced the USD 100,000 H-1B visa fee to be paid by companies hiring international students for H1 sponsorship. Now, in the wake of an exorbitantly high H‑1B visa fee hike, Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has escalated an issue to create less competitive yet more job opportunities for Americans by ending the work permits for F1 visa holders in US, especially for OPT workers.
He wrote a letter that was published on his official website, quoted as “Competition from foreign graduates is contributing to rising unemployment rates among college-educated Americans. This should not be the case. Congress placed caps on employment visas for foreign graduates to ensure that American jobs are filled by American graduates.”
In this letter, he also highlighted that over 33,000 Chinese students holding STEM work permissions, warning of tech and corporate espionage.
On ‘X’, Grassley wrote, “DHS needs to stop issuing work authorisations to student visa holders who compete against Americans. It’s in direct violation of law and puts the USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage. I sent a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem asking her to end work authorisations for foreign student visa holders.”
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Potential Impact of Ending Work Permits for International Students
The draft bill to end the working rights of international students on study visas after completion of their course claims that international students displace American workers and poses security and working challenges. Each year, Indian students contribute USD 9.1 billion to the US economy on average.
The US economy will be drastically affected if the proposal passes, particularly the tech firms. Mainly, Silicon Valley, the hub of tech companies in the USA, is at risk. Reportedly, more than 50% of international students are employed in STEM fields after graduation. With the end of the working rights for international students, the firms will be evidently shaken.
Conclusion: US Immigration Changes For Ending Work Permit for International Students
Currently, this proposal is in process, and it is not a confirmed US bill for international students. However, with the current changes in the US immigration policies for Indian students, it is becoming more and more unwelcoming towards foreigners. All updates, including indirect slashes on H1B sponsorship through USD100,000 fee or the current proposal to end the work permits, especially OPT, make it difficult for Indian students to study and work in USA.
We can say that with the current situation, where more and more Indian students are avoiding the US for higher education, along with Senator Grassley’s demand to end work permits for foreign students, it is a start of reshaping the US economy. The job market in US might face more challenges as around 50% of the STEM-based jobs are filled by international students this year. If the bill passes, the jobs will fall short, leading to a shortage of qualified manpower. With this US bill is passed, it can also be the end of the American dream for Indian students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is eligible for a US work visa?
A:
The requirements to apply for a US work permit depend on the visa type and candidate. Generally, all international students applying for a work permit in the US must obtain a job offer from a US company and a sponsored petition. They must also meet specific educational, skill, or experience requirements depending on the job role or profession.
Q: Do US work permits expire?
A:
Yes, US work visas for international students expire according to the Employment Authorisation of the USA. Candidates are required to submit an application for renewal before the expiry date to remain legally in the country. Upon application submission, the USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) provides a grace period of up to 18 months for extending the permit.
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