Overview

• Joseph Edlow, poised to lead USCIS, has argued against post‑study work authorization for F‑1 students, a stance that could hasten efforts to end OPT.
• Lawmakers have proposed revoking OPT’s FICA exemption, requiring 6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare contributions from both students and employers.
• ICE and SEVP have warned that failing to update SEVIS employment records for over 90 days can trigger loss of status or deportation proceedings.
• U.S. authorities are cracking down on fake payrolls used to claim OPT employment, with USCIS deeming such filings fraud that can lead to I‑20 cancellation and visa revocation.
• The program’s scale remains large—about 194,554 OPT and 95,384 STEM‑OPT authorizations in 2024—with Indian STEM graduates identified as highly exposed and universities facing potential enrollment pressure.