Archive · 23 Nov 2025
OPT Program for International Students Faces Termination Risk
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which lets international students work in the U.S., might be ended or changed.
Some people think it gives jobs to foreign students instead of Americans.
The government wants to fix this and protect U.S. workers.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed new OPT rule to combat fraud and protect U.S. workers
Critics argue OPT prioritizes foreign workers over American job seekers
US lawmakers propose abolishing OPT, taxing international students' earnings
OPT allows international F-1 students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for STEM graduates
In 2024-2025, OPT participants grew by 21% to 294,253
- Who
- International F-1 students, U.S. companies, American workers, U.S. lawmakers
- What
- Proposed changes to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program
- When
- Proposed in 2025, potential changes in the future
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To combat fraud, protect U.S. workers, and improve oversight of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program
Protect American Workers
Support International Students
Job Displacement
Protect American Workers
OPT program takes jobs away from American workers
Support International Students
International students contribute to U.S. economy and bring diverse skills
Program Legitimacy
Protect American Workers
OPT should be abolished due to lack of Congressional approval
Support International Students
OPT provides valuable work experience for international students
- Program
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Duration
- Up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for STEM graduates
- Participants in 2024-2025
- 294,253
- Growth in 2024-2025
- 21%
- Proposed Changes
- Stricter regulations, potential elimination