OPT Review May Severely Impact Foreign Students

The United States government has announced a review of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme designed for international students. The move is aimed at safeguarding the interests of American workers. The Department of Homeland Security stated that it will examine whether the existing framework aligns with national security priorities and tax regulations. The review comes amid growing concerns over workforce policies and compliance standards.

If stricter regulations are imposed on the OPT programme, it could significantly affect thousands of foreign students, including a large number from India. OPT allows international graduates to gain temporary work experience in the US after completing their studies. Any major changes to the policy may alter employment opportunities and post-study work prospects for students pursuing higher education in the country.