US Lawmakers Push To Make OPT Permanent, Students Welcome Move Amid Past Uncertainty
· Free Press Journal
Mumbai: US lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan bill to safeguard the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a key pathway that allows international students to gain employment experience in the country after graduation. The Keep Innovators in America Act seeks to codify the OPT programme into law, offering long-term certainty to employers, universities and students amid intensifying global competition for skilled talent.
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Legislative push for clarity
Representatives Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte and Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi proposed the bill. The measure aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to explicitly permit international students to undertake practical training in their field of study, including after completing their degrees. Liccardo underscored the stakes involved, stating that the US must decide whether to retain top global talent or risk losing it to competing nations such as India and China. Obernolte said formalising the OPT programme would provide clarity and accountability for a system that enables students to gain practical experience aligned with their education.
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For nearly three decades, the OPT programme has operated through administrative provisions rather than statutory backing, leaving it vulnerable to sudden policy changes. Concerns resurfaced in 2023 following reports that the programme might be scaled back, raising fears among students and employers about the stability of post-study work opportunities. The proposed legislation aims to address these uncertainties by embedding the programme within the legal framework, thereby reducing the risk of abrupt regulatory shifts.
Economic contribution of students
International students play a significant role in the US economy. During the 2024–2025 academic year, they contributed $42.9 billion. A substantial portion of the more than 290,000 students participating in OPT were enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, highlighting the programme’s importance in supporting high-skill industries. Lawmakers backing the bill argue that retaining such talent is critical for maintaining the US edge in innovation and economic growth.
US Lawmakers Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Codify OPT Programme, Aiming To Retain Indian And Other International GraduatesMixed reactions from students
International students, particularly from India, view OPT as a crucial bridge between academic study and professional experience. Sayli Prakash, a postgraduate student in computer science at Boston University, said the move brings relief after years of uncertainty surrounding the programme’s future. She added that legal recognition could provide stability and enable better career planning. However, caution persists.
A Mumbai-based student planning to study at New York University said that while the proposal appears positive, students remain wary due to past policy fluctuations. Many continue to consider alternative destinations such as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Australia, which offer more predictable post-study work options. Chetna, a recent graduate from the University of Texas, described OPT as essential for gaining real-world experience. She said making the programme permanent could strengthen the US position in attracting global talent but noted that uncertainty remains around long-term visa pathways such as H-1B.
As countries including Canada, the UK and Australia expand post-study employment opportunities, the proposed legislation reflects an effort by the US to remain competitive in the global race for talent while reinforcing confidence in its higher education system.