International students are drawn to the US for its prestigious education system and career opportunities, supported by programmes like Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). These initiatives allow students to gain temporary work experience in the US after their studies, serving as a vital pathway for practical learning.  

However, proposed policy changes under the Trump administration could significantly alter this landscape. The H-1B visa regulations have already undergone major revisions under President Donald Trump. Additionally, Trump has signed an executive order revoking Birthright Citizenship, a move set to impact millions.

There are two types of F-1 practical training: curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a temporary work authorisation for F-1 students, directly related to their major and part of the school’s curriculum. It is employer-specific, must be secured before authorisation, and occurs before the programme end date. One year of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility.

OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorisation before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their studies.

Some institutions have exploited OPT and CPT by creating fake schools, allowing students to work illegally in the US, as per reports. 

Trump’s action on student visa 

Recently, the Trump administration has directed the immigration department to conduct various investigations into students working beyond the allowed hours. Generally, students on a student visa can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Many students violate these limits, working extra hours despite their class schedules to pay high tuition fees. Since this has caught the attention of the US government, student attendance is being closely monitored, and surprise checks are being conducted at workplaces where students are employed.

Students with part-time work permits in universities across Texas, Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC, are reportedly avoiding going to work to prevent any action from the government. The need for income and the strict regulations have put them in a difficult situation.

Students working private jobs, such as Uber, Ola, or supply chain jobs, are being extra cautious to ensure they do not exceed their allowed work hours. Since the Trump administration took office, anxiety regarding student visa regulations has increased among Indian students.

Most students have been admitted to US universities by paying tuition fees of around ₹5 million (50 lakh rupees). They plan to take up full-time work in addition to their part-time jobs after getting a student visa to cover their fees and eventually settle in the US for the long term.

Due to the Trump administration’s strict stance, even job owners are being inspected at workplaces, increasing anxiety among students working extra hours. On one hand, financial difficulties are rising, and on the other, the fear of immigration officials’ investigations has caused widespread panic among Indian students in the US.

Every year, more than 10,000 Gujarati students go to various universities in the US for higher education. Discussions regarding student visa immigration regulations have intensified in student WhatsApp groups across the US.

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