ImmigrationPolicy – DHS Signals Review of OPT Work Program Rules
ImmigrationPolicy – The US Department of Homeland Security has begun a formal review of the Optional Practical Training program, raising the possibility of changes that could reshape post-graduation employment options for international students on F-1 visas.
The announcement came in a letter from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to Senator Eric Schmitt, where she confirmed that the department is reassessing whether the current structure of Optional Practical Training, commonly known as OPT, aligns with US labor, tax, and national security priorities.
Review Focuses on Labor Market and Security Concerns
In her communication, Noem said the department is examining whether the length and scope of practical training available to foreign graduates remain consistent with congressional intent. She emphasized that immigration programs must operate in a way that protects American workers while also safeguarding national interests.
The review comes at a time when participation in practical training programs has grown significantly. According to the department, the increasing number of foreign students working under OPT has introduced administrative and oversight challenges that officials believe require closer scrutiny.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which manages compliance for international students, is already taking steps to address vulnerabilities within the system, the letter noted.
Impact on Indian and Other International Students
The reassessment carries particular importance for Indian students, who represent one of the largest groups of international students in the United States. With more than 300,000 Indian nationals currently enrolled in US institutions, a substantial portion transition to OPT after completing their degrees.
Under existing regulations, F-1 visa holders can remain in the country for up to 12 months of employment following graduation. Students who complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are eligible for a 24-month STEM extension, allowing them to work for a total of three years.
For many graduates, OPT serves as a bridge to longer-term employment visas, including the H-1B. Any regulatory adjustment could therefore influence career planning decisions for thousands of students and employers alike.
Regulatory Basis Under Examination
Secretary Noem also pointed out that the OPT framework was established through regulatory authority rather than explicit statutory language passed by Congress. That distinction has become central to ongoing policy debates in Washington.
She wrote that, consistent with President Donald Trump’s America First immigration approach, the department is evaluating whether the current regulatory design appropriately balances economic and national security objectives.
The department has indicated that potential changes would be pursued through a formal rulemaking process. The proposed review was included in the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda, signaling that regulatory amendments are under active consideration.
According to the letter, any future rule would seek to prevent displacement of US workers, address concerns related to fraud and national security, and strengthen oversight capabilities within the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Lawmakers Push for Closer Oversight
Senator Schmitt had earlier urged the department and US Citizenship and Immigration Services to conduct a comprehensive examination of OPT. In his correspondence, he described the program as a regulatory work benefit rather than a congressionally authorized statute and called for reforms that could potentially scale back or end the initiative.
The discussion surrounding OPT forms part of a broader review of employment-linked immigration pathways under the current administration. Several programs introduced or expanded through executive authority are now being reassessed to determine whether they meet present-day policy goals.
What Lies Ahead for International Graduates
At this stage, no immediate changes have been announced, and current participants in the OPT program remain governed by existing rules. However, the possibility of new regulations has introduced uncertainty for universities, employers, and students planning post-study employment in the United States.
Education experts note that international graduates contribute significantly to research, technology, and innovation sectors. Employers, particularly in STEM industries, have long relied on the program to retain skilled talent after graduation.
As the Department of Homeland Security moves forward with its review, stakeholders across higher education and industry will be closely monitoring developments. Any regulatory revisions could redefine how international graduates transition from US universities into the workforce in the years ahead.