The number of student visas granted by the United States to Indian nationals during the peak admission period of 2025 dropped sharply by 62 percent from the previous year, according to a report released by the US-based Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). The think tank has also recommended abolishing the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, claiming it gives foreign graduates an unfair advantage in the American job market.

The report estimates that US consulates issued 22,149 F-1 visas to Indian students between May and August 2025, a steep decline from 58,694 visas issued during the corresponding months in 2024. China too witnessed a fall in student visas, though the decline was comparatively lower at 34 per cent, with issuances dropping from 61,075 to 40,034.

The CIS report attributes the sharp fall in visa approvals to tighter immigration policies and increased scrutiny of international student applications. It also argues that the OPT programme, which allows international students to work in the US after completing their studies, has expanded far beyond its original purpose.

According to the report, “OPT provides employers with a financial incentive to hire foreign graduates over similarly qualified American workers because employers are exempt from paying certain payroll taxes.” It further contends that the programme has effectively become a temporary foreign worker scheme rather than an educational extension.

The report recommends that the programme be discontinued, stating, “Congress should eliminate the OPT programme and ensure that foreign students return home after completing their studies unless they qualify for another lawful immigration pathway.”

Indian students constitute the largest share of beneficiaries under the OPT programme, accounting for nearly half of all participants. Any move to alter or discontinue the programme could therefore have a significant impact on Indian graduates seeking work experience in the United States after completing their education.

The CIS recommendations come amid an ongoing debate in the United States over immigration, employment and international student policies. However, the OPT programme continues to remain in force, and the US government has not announced any decision to abolish it.

(Inputs from TOI)

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