OPT for Foreign Students in U.S. Faces Possible Termination

• Lawmakers and policy experts question the integrity of OPT and CPT programs.
• Educational institutions emphasize OPT's role in attracting global talent and offering U.S. industry-ready graduates.
• Proposed ‘Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025’ seeks to abolish OPT unless Congress reauthorizes it.

The Optional Practical Training program serves as a legitimate pathway for international students to gain employment and experience in US companies after finishing their studies in America.

Recently, there have been remarks from individuals in and around the Trump administration advocating for the termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Proposals to terminate the OPT program have been suggested by various leading lawmakers and US officials.

Jessica Vaughan, the Center’s Director of Policy Studies, has questioned the popular Optional Practical Training program in its current form.

During her statement to Congress on June 25, 2025, she elaborated on ways Congress can assist in reinstating integrity and security to the visa system. “Americans value legal immigration and welcome legitimate temporary visitors, but when applicants are able to obtain entry or benefits through fraud or abuse, the privilege of entry by overstaying, then public support for immigration suffers,” said Vaughan.

Vaughan specified visa categories she believes Congress should evaluate to see if they require tighter management, reduction, or complete elimination, such as Optional Practical Training.

Vaughan stated that the Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) programs, not sanctioned by Congress, have led to a proliferation of diploma mills, counterfeit schools, fraudulent training programs, and illicit job opportunities and should be abolished or significantly more strictly controlled.

OPT is an essential chance for international students to acquire work experience in their area of study following the completion of their degree.

Students who meet the criteria can request up to 12 months of OPT work authorization both before and following their academic program. STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT available for international students holding STEM degrees in eligible areas of study.

International students must secure an Employment Authorization Document from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to engage in any OPT type.

Also Read: Indonesia Launches New Visa for Non-Formal Education Programs

A recent study of US universities found that OPT is essential for drawing in foreign students seeking work experiences (77%) and for assisting American firms in discovering and employing skilled international students (70%).

Furthermore, 71% of institutions believe that OPT provides financial advantages to American companies. Eighty-four percent of U.S. schools believe that international students would likely look for different places for their study abroad programs if OPT were not an option.

US lawmakers have also proposed the ‘Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025’ aimed at eliminating the Optional Practical Training Program. The proposed 'Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025' aims to eliminate the Optional Practical Training Program and any future programs, except if Congress officially permits them.