The Morning Brief

Will Indian Students OPT out of America?

Apr 17, 2025

Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, and Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify, dive into the potential abolition of the OPT program, a key post-graduation opportunity for international students. They discuss the implications for Indian students, who make up over 40% of OPT approvals. The duo emphasizes the financial stress faced by students with hefty education loans and explores alternative study destinations like Canada and the UK as safer options. The conversation highlights the urgent need for students to navigate these significant changes.

21:54

Creator website

Episode guests

Adarsh Khandelwal

Nikhil Jain

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The potential elimination of OPT threatens the financial stability of Indian students, prompting them to reconsider their future in the U.S. job market.

Recent political changes and the proposed Fairness for Highly Skilled Americans Act are shifting student priorities towards countries with clearer post-study work options.

Deep dives

The Significance of OPT for Indian Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) serves as a critical component for Indian students pursuing education in the United States, allowing STEM graduates to work for up to three years after completing their studies. This program effectively acts as a bridge between academic achievement and practical experience, enabling students to recover their substantial educational investments and facilitating transitions to H-1B visas. A significant 40% of all OPT approvals have gone to Indian students, highlighting its importance in their educational and career aspirations. The potential elimination of OPT raises concerns about whether the U.S. will remain a viable destination for international students or revert to being solely an academic hub.

Intro

3min

Impact of OPT Regulations on Indian Students in the US

2min

Shifting Concerns: International Students Navigate Legal Challenges

2min

Impact of OPT Program Scrapping on Indian Students

5min

Indian Students' Dilemma: U.S. vs. Alternatives

10min

What if the very reason Indian students choose the U.S. for higher education suddenly disappeared? No, it’s not the allure of Silicon Valley or Ivy League labels we’re talking about OPT: Optional Practical Training. For years, it’s been the launchpad for STEM grads to gain real U.S. work experience after their degree. But that pathway is now under serious threat. In this episode, host Neil Ghai and Prachi Verma are joined by Adarsh Khandelwal, co-founder of Collegify, and Nikhil Jain, founder of ForeignAdmits, to unpack a new bill in the U.S. Congress that could abolish the OPT program altogether. With Indian students accounting for more than 40% of all OPT approvals last year, this isn’t just a policy shift, it's a potential game-ender. So, what’s driving this move? What’s at stake? And how might it reshape the future for Indian students eyeing the U.S.?

Tune in.

Check out other interesting episodes from the host like: Tariffs trump trade, The Curious Case of IndusInd Bank, The Influencer Economy’s Quiet Reset, India’s Biggest Hospital has a Chronic Illness and much more.

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