Archive · 13 Nov 2025
US Proposes Stricter Rules for International Student Work Program
Imagine if students from other countries who study in the U.S. could stay a little longer after they finish school to get a job and learn how real companies work.
That's what the OPT program lets them do.
But now, some people in charge in the U.S. think this program might not be fair to American workers.
They are worried that companies might hire foreign students because they are cheaper.
So, they are looking at either stopping the OPT program completely or making new rules to make it harder to use.
This could mean fewer students will want to study and work in the U.S., which might hurt universities and the economy.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed new rules that could lead to the termination or stricter regulation of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
The OPT program allows international students to gain work experience in the U.S. after completing their studies.
Critics argue the OPT program takes jobs from American workers and functions as an unregulated temporary worker program.
Legislators have proposed the 'Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025' to abolish the OPT program.
Potential changes could lead to a significant decline in international student enrollment, impacting universities and the economy.
- Who
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. lawmakers
- What
- Proposing stricter rules and potential termination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for international students.
- When
- A formal move has been made to list the new rule on the Unified Agenda; proposed legislation includes the 'Fairness for High-Skilled Americans Act of 2025'.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To address fraud and national security concerns, protect U.S. workers, enhance program oversight, and potentially reduce foreign labor competition.
Supporters of OPT Program
Critics of OPT Program
Purpose of OPT
Supporters of OPT Program
The OPT program allows international students to gain valuable work experience in their fields after graduation.
Critics of OPT Program
The OPT program is viewed as a loophole for a large temporary worker program that lacks protections for U.S. workers and takes jobs from Americans.
Program Origin and Oversight
Supporters of OPT Program
The program, while regulated, provides essential opportunities for international graduates.
Critics of OPT Program
The OPT program was created through regulation rather than by Congress, leading to concerns about its oversight and potential for abuse.
Impact on U.S. Workers
Supporters of OPT Program
The article implies a potential benefit to international students and a risk to the U.S. economy from reduced international enrollment, rather than a direct negative impact on American workers.
Critics of OPT Program
The program disadvantages American workers by allowing employers to hire foreign labor at potentially lower costs.
- Program Name
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Student Type
- F-1 nonimmigrant students
- Standard OPT Duration
- Up to 12 months
- STEM OPT Extension
- 24 months
- Post-Program Departure
- 60 days after program completion
- International Students on OPT (2023/24)
- Approx. 200,000