US Post Study Work Route Under Threat for Indians?

The Trump administration continues to tighten the rules for international students, particularly the Indian students.

The administration proposed a modification in the US student visa rules that could bring hard days for all international graduates, particularly Indians, as remaining employed in the US after completion of their studies would be a challenge.

As Indian students form one of the largest international student section in the US and also account for a significant share of applicants in the H-1B work visa lottery, the proposed change could have more impact on them.

Danielle Goldman, co-founder and CEO of Build felt the change in the visa rules could worsen talent shortages in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology and engineering.

Reportedly, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), on May 5, proposed eliminating the Duration of Status framework for F-1 student visas.

Under the current rules, international students are allowed to remain in the US until their student status holds good and comply with visa requirements.

Under the proposed change, the existing system will be replaced with a fixed admission period of up to four years for most students. An extension beyond that period, for purposes like continued studies or post-graduation work authorization, would need formal approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

The proposed change in the duration of the status rule would fundamentally change the flexibility that students have had to apply for Optional Practical Training and Curricular Practical Training, Goldman said.

Under the current system, students have significant flexibility during their academic programmes in the universities, seeking extensions or making changes related to their programmes.

OPT facilitates international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study after graduation, while CPT allows students to gain work experience during their studies. Under the proposed change, the students will need to navigate more through the formal immigration processes with the USCIS.

The proposed changed could also reduce the grace period available to F-1 students after their status ends from 60 days to 30 days, reducing the time to secure alternative visa options or employment sponsorship.

Many graduates, failing to secure an H-1B visa currently rely on Day 1 CPT programmes, which allow them to enroll in another academic course, even as they continue to work legally in the US. If the proposed change is implemented, this route would become narrower.