Washington, D.C.: The number of U.S. student visas issued to Indian nationals has fallen sharply, according to a new report by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS). The report also recommends ending the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a move that could significantly affect international students seeking work experience after graduation.
The report states that during the peak admission period between May and August 2025, the United States issued 22,149 F-1 student visas to Indian applicants. During the same period in 2024, the figure stood at 58,694, representing a 62% year-on-year decline. The report also notes a reduction in student visas issued to Chinese nationals, although the decrease was less pronounced than for Indians.
CIS attributes the decline to stricter visa screening and tighter immigration policies. It argues that limiting international student admissions could create more opportunities for American students and strengthen national security. However, the organization is an independent policy institute, and its recommendations do not automatically become U.S. government policy.
A key recommendation in the report is the elimination of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Under current rules, eligible international students on F-1 visas may work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation, while graduates in approved STEM fields can receive a 24-month extension, allowing up to 36 months of work authorization.
According to the report, ending OPT would reduce competition in the labour market and increase employment opportunities for U.S. graduates. It also raises concerns related to technology transfer and national security. At the same time, the report acknowledges that the overwhelming majority of international students pursue higher education for legitimate academic purposes.
Indian students are expected to be among those most affected if such a proposal is ever adopted, as they represent one of the largest groups participating in the OPT program. The report cites Open Doors data showing that 363,019 Indian students were enrolled at U.S. higher education institutions during the 2024–25 academic year, making India the largest source of international students in the country.
No Official Decision Yet
There has been no official announcement from the U.S. government to abolish the OPT program. At present, the proposal remains a recommendation contained in a policy report and has not been adopted as federal policy.
