Recent developments suggest that former President Trump’s team is considering significant restrictions—or even the termination—of OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
These programs are vital pathways for international students to gain practical work experience in the U.S. Joseph Edlow, a Trump-backed USCIS nominee, has openly called for ending post-graduation work options like OPT.
While no official changes have been made yet, the message is clear: immigration and international education could face tighter rules under another Trump term.
This has caused serious concern among students, universities, and global employers alike. If you’re an international student, now is the time to stay alert and explore contingency plans.
I don’t think so.
Many higher education institutions in the U.S. rely heavily on international students as a major source of revenue. Take Harvard, for instance, around 30% of its roughly 7,000 students are international. With an average annual tuition of about $80,000, losing F-1 visa holders could mean a revenue loss of roughly $56 million per year for just one school.
That said, Trump’s “America First” approach prioritizes directing federal resources toward domestic students rather than international ones. While the rationale may make sense from a certain political perspective, it’s still disheartening to see policies that discourage international education and cultural exchange.
yeah this is honestly getting kinda scary. like we all know OPT and CPT have been under fire for a while, but now it feels more real with people from his team literally saying it out loud.
I’m on Day 1 CPT right now and just trying to keep my head down and finish the program, but stuff like this makes it hard to focus. we already live semester to semester, visa to visa — and now we have to think about what happens if the whole system changes?
no one knows for sure yet, but yeah, definitely time to start thinking of backups. second masters, canada, eb-based options… whatever keeps you in status. stay safe out there.
Technically yes, but it must be through formal rule-making. While USCIS does have the authority to propose changes to immigration regulations, it cannot bypass established legal procedures. Any amendment to the CFR must follow the Administrative Procedure Act (APA).
I was gonna say this is probably not happening and are just words but who knows… Too many things are happening recently I feel like anything could happen. But the only attractive part for international studying here in the US is the OPT and CPT comes with it. It’s gonna be a huge impact on students, schools, and companies…
This is deeply concerning, and thanks for highlighting it so clearly. OPT and CPT aren’t just “benefits” — they’re essential bridges that connect classroom learning to real-world experience, especially in STEM fields where the U.S. relies heavily on international talent. If these programs were severely restricted or eliminated, it would disrupt thousands of lives and could seriously damage the U.S.’s competitiveness in innovation and higher education.
Even though nothing is official yet, the rhetoric alone creates anxiety and uncertainty for students making long-term plans. Now more than ever, it’s important for international students to stay informed, speak with their DSOs or legal advisors, and have backup strategies ready — whether that means exploring Day 1 CPT, looking into other visa categories, or even considering study/work options in countries with more stable immigration policies.
Let’s hope universities and employers continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the students who contribute so much to U.S. campuses and the broader economy.
Thank you for your thoughtful response. You’re absolutely right — the uncertainty alone is already affecting students’ decisions and futures. It’s crucial that we keep raising awareness and supporting each other through this. Hopefully, schools and employers will continue to stand up for international students and push for policies that recognize their value.