Optional Practical Training (OPT) in US for Students – Recent Updates

The article was updated on 20 Jan, 2026

Studying abroad has always been an expensive exercise. Hence, most students are forced to take up hefty loans. Typically, STEM or Science, Technology, Engineering and Math students were awarded a 24 month OPT or Optional Practical Training extension on their visa which allowed them to work in the USA.

The dream was to later convert these training positions into full-time jobs and get an H1B visa. With H1B visas awarded as a result of a lottery system, the dream was difficult enough but the Trump administration has just made it even harder to achieve.

The Trump administration has proposed to end or restrict Optional Practical Training for international students. This is clearly seen as a move to discourage foreign students from staying and working in the United States after completing their studies.

What is Optional Practical Training or OPT program? Why is the US planning to introduce changes? In this article, we discuss the program, proposed changes, and everything you must know about it.

Key Takeaways

• OPT allows up to 36 months of work for STEM students in the US after graduation.
• New US rules may restrict or end OPT, impacting international students’ job prospects.
• Fixed visa durations may replace flexible stay rules, making extensions harder.
• Indian students are most affected, with many now choosing other study destinations.

What is OPT?

The OPT programme allows foreign students on an F-1 visa to work in the US for up to 12 months in their field of study before or after completing the course. For STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students, the STEM OPT programme can be extended by an additional 24 months, allowing a total of 36 months of work.

The OPT and STEM OPT help students gain practical experience related to their degree.

Proposed Changes to Optional Practical Training

According to reports, the proposed changes by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are expected to be implemented in the first half of 2026. 

• The new immigration rule aims to better align practical training with the programme’s goals and objectives.
• The DHS aims to modify how OPT and STEM OPT operate to address fraud and national security concerns and protect its workers from being replaced by foreign nationals.
• Change or end post-graduation OPT completely
• Eliminate `Duration of Status’ for F-1 students and replace it with fixed admission periods. This can make it harder for students to complete long-duration programmes. Under the proposed rule, they would need to file separate extensions of stay if they are unable to complete studies within the fixed four-year period to be eligible for OPT and STEM OPT. Currently, international students can remain in lawful status as long as they are pursuing an academic program toward completion.

Read: Indian Students Studying Abroad – The Latest Statistics

What Will be the Impact of OPT Changes?

The most obvious impact is the significant decline in international students travelling to the United States for higher studies.

According to data from the US National Travel and Tourism Office, international student arrivals dropped by 19 per cent in August 2025 compared with the same month in 2024.

Read: Indian Students In Russia – Why More Indian Students Are Heading To Russia

Federal data show steep regional declines this August:

• 33 per cent drop from Africa
• 17 per cent drop from the Middle East
• 24 per cent drop from Asia, including a 45 per cent fall from India, the largest source of international students to the US

Optional Practical Training Trend

Optional Practical Training Participation Changes Over Time

Conclusion

The proposed changes to OPT would be a major setback for Indian students. Indians are the largest group of international students in the US and depend on the OPT to gain work experience as they shift from F-1 to H-1B visas.

Students are now looking at countries like Germany, Australia, and European universities, which are easier to apply to and more affordable.

Source: www.iie.org

Also See

• Relaxed OPT Training Rulings For International STEM Students In The USA
• International Students in the US – A Win-Win for Learners and the Nation
• Top 5 Countries for Indian Students to Pursue MBA
• India Surpasses China as the Largest Source of International Students in the USA