A new bill introduced in the U.S. Congress, called the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025, aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
OPT currently allows international students on F-1 visas to work temporarily in the U.S. during or after their studies, especially in STEM fields, for up to three years. If the bill passes, OPT would end unless Congress explicitly approves it.
The OPT program has grown rapidly, with over 1.5 million foreign graduates participating between 2008 and 2016, according to the Pew Research Center.
Supporters of the bill argue that OPT acts as a loophole around the strict H-1B visa system and takes jobs away from young American workers by encouraging companies to hire cheaper foreign labor under the cover of student training.
However, critics warn that ending OPT could discourage international students from choosing the U.S. for higher education. Rozy Efzal, founder of Invest4Edu, said the high cost of studying in the U.S. might no longer be worth it without the chance to work after graduation. Countries like Canada and Australia, which offer better post-study work options, could become more attractive alternatives.
The bill also raises concerns about the future of the U.S. tech industry, which depends heavily on skilled foreign graduates who often enter the workforce through OPT. Ritesh Jain, co-founder of LaunchED Global, warned that removing OPT could reduce the talent pool, slow innovation, and weaken the competitiveness of American tech companies.
Currently, OPT allows students to work for 12 months after graduation, with a possible 24-month extension for STEM graduates. This period helps students gain valuable work experience and often leads to H-1B visa sponsorship for longer-term employment. Without OPT, students would have to secure an H-1B visa immediately or leave the country once their studies end.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) updated OPT rules in August 2024 to clarify eligibility, especially for STEM students, reaffirming the 24-month extension for qualified graduates.
If the Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act becomes law, international students would lose a key pathway to work in the U.S. after graduation. This could reduce the country’s appeal as a top destination for global talent and education, at a time when competition from other nations is increasing.
The future of international education in the U.S. now hinges on the outcome of this legislation, with significant implications for students, universities, and industries alike.
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