The Changing OPT Landscape
Recent U.S. policy discussions are unsettling thousands of international students—especially Indians—who depend on Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain U.S. work experience after graduation.
Senators like Tom Cotton and Chuck Grassley are pushing bills that could limit or even tax student work permits, arguing they compete with American workers. These changes, alongside the new $100,000 H-1B filing fee, make the traditional F-1 → OPT → H-1B path increasingly uncertain.
Many students are now reporting unexpected SEVIS terminations, surprise site visits, and H-1B delays—adding stress to an already complicated journey.
Why Indian Students Are Worried
OPT has been a critical bridge for over 250,000+ Indian students studying in the U.S.
STEM graduates typically enjoy up to 36 months of work authorization through OPT.
However, new tax proposals like the OPT Fair Tax Act would remove payroll exemptions—cutting take-home pay by nearly 15%.
Heightened ICE enforcement and site inspections could terminate F-1 records if employers or DSOs fail to update details on time.
The outcome? Many talented students risk losing their legal status overnight, even after years of study and investment.
The Smarter Alternative: Day 1 CPT Universities
To overcome these new hurdles, many students are now considering Day 1 CPT programs—a legal, DHS-compliant way to continue working while studying under valid F-1 status.
Day 1 CPT (Curricular Practical Training) allows international students to start internships or paid employment from the first semester, provided the work is part of their academic curriculum.
Unlike post-graduation OPT, Day 1 CPT offers continuous work authorization with fewer transition risks.
Advantages of Day 1 CPT Universities:
✅ Maintain F-1 status while gaining full-time work experience
✅ Avoid OPT/H-1B cap-gap stress
✅ Flexibility to work with U.S. employers legally
✅ Stay compliant with SEVIS and USCIS regulations
✅ Option to switch to H-1B or transfer later
Universities Offering Day 1 CPT Options
Several accredited U.S. universities support Day 1 CPT master’s programs in fields like Business, IT, Data Science, and Project Management.
These include:
University of the Cumberlands
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Trine University
Monroe College
National Louis University
(Always verify program eligibility and authorization before enrollment.)
Steps to Stay Protected as an F-1 Student
Stay in touch with your DSO: Report every change in employment or address within 10 days.
Keep documentation updated: I-983 training plan, pay stubs, and supervisor details are vital.
Consult an immigration attorney: Especially if your SEVIS record is terminated or under review.
Explore CPT universities early: Apply before OPT expires to avoid status gaps.
Plan a backup: Consider Day 1 CPT or hybrid programs that allow academic flexibility.
The CPTHunt Takeaway
The American study-to-work dream is still alive—but the path is shifting.
As policymakers debate the future of OPT and H-1B, students must plan smarter.
Day 1 CPT universities provide a compliant, reliable path to maintain status, gain experience, and stay employable even amid U.S. visa uncertainty.
If you’re exploring Day 1 CPT universities, F-1 transfer options, or STEM-OPT alternatives, visit CPTHunt.com — your trusted guide for verified CPT programs, university transfers, and U.S. visa updates.
Reference: Based on the article “US senator wants to end student work permits in the US. What Indians should know” – India Today, October 2025.https://share.google/d3XderZ5fpmSgJjEE
