Tightened OPT Visa Rules in the US—Indian STEM Students on Alert
Indian STEM students in the United States are facing increased uncertainty as the US government rolls out significant changes to student visa and OPT (Optional Practical Training) regulations in 2025. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a four-year cap on student visas, requiring anyone needing more time for studies or OPT to apply for individual extensions, a process involving additional fees, financial disclosures, and even possible interviews with immigration officials.
Under these new rules, the grace period for students to find a job or prepare for departure after completing studies is reduced from 60 to 30 days, and transferring between universities has become more complex, particularly for graduate students. The popular option of pursuing a “second Master’s” degree to extend one’s stay has effectively ended, limiting fallback choices for those unable to secure an H-1B work visa.
For Indian students, who make up the largest group of international enrollees in US STEM education programs, these new measures bring financial and emotional stress. Increased visa fees, extensive social media and background checks, and growing documentation requirements now make the US a more challenging destination for higher education and on-the-job training. The new framework is already resulting in appointment delays and even temporary pauses on F-1 visa interviews in India, stranding thousands of students in administrative limbo.
Additionally, current OPT and STEM OPT participants who exceed the new time limits must file for F-1 extensions—adding another layer of cost and risk. Legislative efforts to eliminate OPT in the future have added to the sense of instability.
While US universities and tech companies continue to recognise the immense value of Indian STEM talent, students are now exploring other study-abroad options such as Canada, the UK, and Australia. The evolving regulations make it imperative for aspirants to stay well-informed and seek expert guidance to navigate the complex and changing landscape of studying and working in the United States.
