What Exactly Is the OPT Programme?
Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a long-standing program that allows international students in the US on an F-1 visa to work for a period of time after graduation. The employment must be directly related to their major field of study, providing
crucial, real-world experience. Standard OPT allows for 12 months of work. For those in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, a 24-month extension is possible, making for a total of 36 months of post-graduation employment. For countless Indian students, this program isn't just a bonus; it's a primary reason for choosing to invest in a costly US education. It offers a chance to apply their learning, earn a US salary to begin paying off student loans, and potentially secure a sponsored H-1B work visa for longer-term employment.
A Shocking Proposed Price Tag
Recent reports, originating from sources like The Wall Street Journal, suggest the US administration is considering a staggering $100,000 fee for the OPT program. While officials have noted that no policy is final until formally announced, the news has sent waves of anxiety through the international student community. This potential fee comes at a time when Indian students are already grappling with rising tuition costs, rupee depreciation inflating education budgets, and a competitive job market. The sheer size of the proposed fee, which could fall on the student or a prospective employer, is seen by many as a deterrent that would effectively kill the program's accessibility for all but the wealthiest. This follows other policy shifts and proposed hikes, including for H-1B visas, that have created an environment of uncertainty.
The Squeeze on Indian Students
The dream of a US education is often financed by substantial family savings and large bank loans, with students and their families banking on the post-graduation work opportunity to make the investment worthwhile. A six-figure fee on top of tuition that can already exceed $90,000 would make the financial calculation nearly impossible for many middle-class families. Indian students are by far the largest group participating in OPT, making up nearly half of all participants in the 2024-25 academic year. The program's value is not just financial; it's the primary bridge from being a student to becoming a sought-after professional in the US job market. Without a viable OPT, the return on investment for a US degree becomes far less certain, forcing a hard look at the risks involved.
Are Other Countries Becoming More Attractive?
As the American pathway becomes more difficult, other countries are rolling out the welcome mat. Nations like Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia offer clearer, more affordable routes for post-study work and potential residency. Canada, in particular, is often highlighted for its straightforward system, offering a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to three years and a clear, points-based pathway to permanent residency that doesn't involve a lottery. The UK's Graduate Route visa and Australia's Temporary Graduate visa also provide open work permits for multiple years. These countries offer greater certainty—a valuable commodity for students making life-altering financial decisions. European countries like Germany are also emerging as strong contenders with generous post-study work options and faster tracks to residency for skilled workers.
A Potential 'Brain Drain' for the US
The potential fallout isn't just for students. The US economy and its tech and innovation sectors have long benefited from the influx of global talent nurtured in its own universities. International students contribute billions to the US economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. Studies have shown that OPT participants contribute to innovation, measured by things like patent filings, and complement the domestic workforce rather than displacing it. If the US becomes a place where students are educated but not retained, that talent—and the economic benefits it generates—will flow to competitor nations that are actively courting these skilled graduates. Many US universities and business groups have warned that scaling back OPT would harm American competitiveness and could lead to a significant loss of jobs and GDP.
