OPT Protection Bill Surfaces in The U.S: Relief for Indian Students in Post-Study Programme?

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A recently proposed OPT protection bill, introduced by a bipartisan group of US lawmakers is ushering a light of hope for over 1.43 lakh Indian students about to join post-study work programme in the U.S. OPT or Optional Practical Training is a legal pathway used by thousands of international students to enter salaried work career in the U.S. This bill emerged in the background of increasing uncertainty over post-study employment rules.

Here, our EB-1A consultants have analysed in detail what this bill promises and how it could present renewed hope for all international students entering the workforce.

What does the bill promise and propose?

The proposed bill is also known as the ‘Keep Innovators in America Act’. It has been introduced by several representatives, including Sam Liccardo, Jay Obernolte and Raja Krishnamoorthi. The bill aims to formally codify the OPT program into law and give it statutory backing for the first time. In this context, the lawmakers have pointed out that the move aimed at guaranteeing certainty for the international students, university passouts and OPT employers. The bill will also, by structure, prevent abrupt policy changes that could interfere with the US talent acquisition.

The current status of the OPT, and how can the bill potentially change it?

The current OPT system tends to allow international students on F-1 visas to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. Under the current law, the STEM graduates will be eligible for a further two years of extensions. The OPT is also seen as a bridge to longer-term work visas like the H-1B.

Interestingly, the Indian students are the largest participants in the OPT program among the international student communities. The latest Open Doors Survey shows that 3,63,019 Indian students were enrolled in U.S. institutions in 2024-25. Moreover, participation in OPT among Indians surged to about 1,43,740 students. Both these trends showcase a sharp rise in those veering towards a post-study work experience.

The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration has also backed the bill. They commented that the effort would provide the much-coveted stability and safety to the international students' community and institutions. The alliance also added that statutory law around OPT would empower the students to “gain practical training and contribute to the U.S. economy”, as opposed to the prevailing uncertainty about the OPT program that could make the U.S. less attractive for work and other study destinations.

Many other organisations have also commented positively about the bill. For instance, Todd Schulte, the president at FWD.us, has stated: “Ensuring that international students who study at US universities are able to stay and work after they graduate is not just common sense, it is essential to our country’s long-term economic strength and global competitiveness. OPT is a vital part of that strategy, providing a bridge from classroom learning to the skilled workforce. We strongly support Congressman Liccardo’s bill to codify the program and provide certainty for students, universities, and employers and protect a proven legal immigration pathway that benefits all Americans.”

It goes without saying that the bill is highly anticipated by many Indian students and their families. The availability of OTP is a major factor that determines whether a candidate chooses the U.S. for higher education.

At GCEB1, our EB-1A consultantsconsistently write about insights, thoughts and policy updates in the U.S. immigration landscape. Stay tuned to our blog section to get regular insights and updates on the U.S. immigration landscape.