IMMIGRATION changes challenge students

Kaung Sat Han

The Advocate

International students, tasked with future planning often face navigating school, finances and strict visa rules. Recently, a proposed U.S. immigration rule could end or restrict Optional Practical Training (OPT) which is a program that allows students to work in their related studies field after graduation to gain work experience.

OPT currently allows international students to work in the United States for up to 12 months in their related studies field. STEM major students are eligible for a 24 month extension. For many international students this is not just about work experience, it is a great opportunity that helps to apply what they learn in class to real world situations. It gives the chance to build a portfolio, support themselves financially, network, prepare for long-term careers, and improve the chance of securing an H-1B visa.

According to the US “The proposed rule will better align practical training to the goals and objectives of the program while providing more clarity to the public,” according to the Department of Homeland Security, “The proposed rule will amend existing regulations to address fraud and national security concerns, protect U.S. workers from being displaced by foreign nationals, and enhance the Student and Exchange Visitor Program’s capacity to oversee the program.” However, analysts warn that ending or severely restricting OPT could discourage international students from studying in the United States and reduce the opportunities for skilled graduates to contribute to the workforce. Economists warn that ending OPT could harm American innovation and the economy. “The clearest evidence is that foreign graduates of US universities cause major increases in innovation,” said Professor Michael Clemens of George Mason University in an interview with Forbes magazine. “Terminating OPT would do the opposite.”

Education Rethink co-founder Anna Esaki-Smith said the elimination of OPT could be a “genuine game changer” for international enrolments in the US. “OPT has been a major driver of international student growth. Without the prospect of working in the US after graduation, high tuition and living costs combined with an increasingly unwelcoming climate are likely to dampen international student demand,” she said.  

According to the Institute of International Education, there were 242,782 international students on OPT and STEM OPT in the 2023/2024 Academic Year. While no final decision has been made, the proposal would still need to go through the federal rulemaking process and the new immigration rules could take effect during 2026 if it is approved. For now, OPT remains available.