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Trump’s Immigration Agenda Puts OPT and CPT Programs Under Scrutiny
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Feb 11, 2025 05:35 PM IST
There might be a significant change in the US education system as the Trump administration considers stronger regulation on international student programs, which include, Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). International students get attracted to these programs as it allows work opportunities in the USA immediately upon completion of their studies. Anyhow, concerns about visa overstays and potential misuse have placed them under scrutiny.
This Story also Contains
- The Role of OPT and CPT in USA Education
- Concerns Over Misuse and Visa Overstays
- Potential Policy Changes and Their Impact
The Role of OPT and CPT in USA Education
The OPT program allows students on an F1 visa to work in jobs directly related to their field of study. Under this rule, almost all students can work for 12 months after graduation and those who fall within the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields are allowed for a 24-month extension period, making their total work experience 36 months. The same also goes for the CPT, which allows students to acquire work experience while still enrolled in their academic programs.
These programs have been a vital incentive for international students to select the United States as their dream study destination. The Trump administration's immigration policies, however, indicate that they may be banned or strictly regulated.
Concerns Over Misuse and Visa Overstays
Some say that OPT and CPT are exploited by some universities and students. One of the policy experts, Jessica Vaughan, recently presented a report to Congress. In her report, she said that in a few cases, schools have created fake programs to enable students to work illegally.
With more than 540,000 former students working under these programs, Vaughan and other experts argue that OPT and CPT have effectively become the largest guest worker programs in the USA.
Another issue portrayed by Jessica is the visa overstay issue. According to a report, in 2023, more than 7,000 Indian students stayed in the USA after their student visas expired. F1 and M1 visa holders have the highest overstay rates of all temporary immigrant categories. Over 32 countries had student visa overstay rates of more than 20%, with Brazil, China, Colombia and India each having more than 2,000 overstays in the USA.
Potential Policy Changes and Their Impact
If implemented, international students will face stricter visa requirements and limited opportunities to work after school. Schools that have the highest number of visa overstays might lose permission to enroll international students. The process of securing an I-20 form, a crucial document for obtaining a student visa, may also become more challenging.
These possible changes might scare international students from choosing the USA as their study destination and thus impact both universities and the industries that count on foreign-skilled graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can international students stay in USA after OPT?
After completion of your OPT period, you can potentially be eligible for one of various work visas provided to employees by an employer depending upon the nature of your employer, the type of work you carry out, your qualifications, and your citizenship.
2. What if OPT expires?
You will have a grace period of 60 days after your OPT expires to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program.
3. Can you apply for a green card on OPT?
International students who meet the requirements can apply for a Green Card during their OPT. Another benefit of applying for a Green Card in comparison to an H-1B work visa is that the H-1B is typically much less available.
4. What is my immigration status if I am on OPT?
You remain classified as F-1 while on OPT and may use your F-1 visa stamp for any travel during your OPT period.
5. Is OPT a permanent resident?
OPT is a form of temporary work authorisation. It does not allow permanent residency and long-term immigration status. A Green Card is a long-term, legal status that is not tied to the conditions of employment or education.
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