Optional Practical Training (OPT) program review by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is raising concerns among international students and immigration attorneys about possible changes to post-graduation work opportunities in the United States.
Recent DHS documents reveal that federal officials are reassessing the OPT program, which allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the U.S. after graduation. The review has sparked debate about whether stricter rules—or even a reduction of the program—could follow.
Why the OPT Program Is Under Review
The current OPT program review stems from a request by U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), who sent a letter to DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in November questioning the program’s impact on the U.S. labor market.
In the letter, Schmitt argued that OPT acts as a “cheap labor pipeline for large corporations” and an indirect employment pathway for foreign workers. He also claimed the program could reduce wages and job opportunities for American workers.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem responded in a January 9 letter stating that the government is evaluating whether OPT and STEM OPT regulations align with national interests, including labor market conditions, taxation, and national security.
The response also noted that OPT operates under administrative regulations rather than federal law—meaning the program could be revised through regulatory changes.
Possible Policy Changes and Stricter Oversight
Immigration experts say the OPT program review could lead to stricter enforcement of existing rules.
Brian Oh, an immigration attorney, said the government may increase scrutiny of whether OPT participants comply with employment requirements and whether their jobs are genuinely related to their academic majors.
“OPT is virtually the only pathway for international students to apply their academic training in real-world jobs after graduation,” Oh said. “If regulations become stricter, studying in the United States could become significantly less attractive.”
He also warned that universities with large international student populations could face financial pressure if enrollment declines.
Major-Job Relevance May Be Examined More Closely
Another immigration attorney, Dave Noh, said some OPT cases could face difficulties if regulators enforce stricter definitions of job relevance.
“In the past, some students reported jobs as ‘related positions’ even when the connection to their field of study was weak,” Noh said. “If authorities begin verifying that relationship more rigorously, some of those cases could become problematic.”
How OPT Works Today
OPT allows international students with F-1 visas to work in fields related to their major for up to 12 months after graduation.
Students who graduate with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) can apply for a 24-month extension, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to 36 months total.
For many international students, OPT is considered the first step toward longer-term employment in the United States, often leading to an H-1B work visa or permanent residency.
According to USCIS data, 294,253 international students participated in OPT during the 2024–2025 fiscal year.
However, under current rules, OPT participants must secure employment within 90 days of approval to maintain their immigration status—though enforcement has historically been considered relatively lenient.
Fewer Korean Students Studying in the U.S.
Meanwhile, the number of Korean international students in the United States has declined.
According to statistics from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), there were 42,843 Korean students studying in the U.S. as of January. That represents a drop of 2,625 students—or about 5.8%—compared with 45,468 one year earlier.
Experts say that if the OPT program review results in tighter regulations, the pathway from student visas to employment visas and permanent residency could become even more competitive for international graduates.
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