The United States has long been seen as the global hub for higher education — a land of opportunity where top universities, research facilities, and global companies attract millions of talented minds. But that reputation might be at risk. A new survey has revealed that more than half of international students say they would have skipped studying in the U.S. if the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program were not available.
According to the joint Institute for Progress and NAFSA survey, 54% of international students — including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows — reported that they would not have chosen to study in the U.S. without the chance to work through OPT. The finding underlines a growing concern: that U.S. immigration and employment policies could be directly affecting the country’s ability to attract and retain global talent.
What Is OPT and Why It Matters
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one of the biggest incentives for international students pursuing higher education in the U.S. It allows students with F-1 visas to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. Those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields can apply for a 24-month extension, allowing a total of three years of practical training.
For many, this period acts as a bridge between academic learning and professional employment — and, often, as a stepping stone toward securing an H-1B work visa or long-term career opportunities in the United States.
In short, OPT is not just a bonus — it’s a deciding factor. The survey’s results show that if OPT were taken away, the U.S. would risk losing a massive share of its international student base to other countries like Canada, Australia, or the U.K., all of which offer clearer post-study work pathways.
The Survey: Who Took Part and How It Was Conducted
The “Current Students Survey,” conducted between August 22 and September 12, 2025, gathered responses from 1,039 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows currently studying in the U.S. on F-1 or J-1 visas.
The survey group represented a diverse mix of institutions:
- 73% attended public universities
- 7% were from small colleges
- 38% came from medium-sized institutions
- 55% attended large universities
This diverse respondent pool provides a broad snapshot of international academic life in the U.S., covering students across science, technology, business, and humanities disciplines.
54% Would Skip U.S. Studies Without OPT
The survey’s headline finding is striking: 54% of respondents said they would not have enrolled in a U.S. program if OPT did not exist.
That means over half of the current international student population could have chosen a different country — or even abandoned their study-abroad plans — if the U.S. had not offered a post-study work option.
This clearly highlights the critical role of OPT in maintaining America’s competitive edge in global education. It’s not just an immigration benefit — it’s a recruitment tool that helps U.S. universities fill seats, fund research, and fuel innovation.
Impact on Students’ Plans to Stay in the U.S.
Beyond initial enrollment, the survey also explored how removing OPT might affect international students’ intentions to remain in the U.S. after graduation.
The data paints a concerning picture:
- 57% of master’s students who currently plan to stay said they would change their decision if OPT were rescinded.
- Among PhD students, 49% said they would no longer plan to stay.
- For postdoctoral researchers, 33% said they would reverse their decision to remain.
These figures suggest that eliminating OPT could trigger a significant “brain drain” — pushing highly skilled talent away from U.S. research labs, universities, and tech firms.
Such an outcome would not only hurt academic institutions but also industries that rely heavily on international expertise, especially in STEM fields where skill shortages already exist.
H-1B Visa Changes Add to Uncertainty
The survey also tested reactions to another proposed policy change — one that could alter how H-1B visas (the main U.S. work visa for foreign professionals) are allocated.
Under the potential rule, H-1B visas would be awarded based on seniority or wage level, rather than through the current lottery system. The results show this proposal could discourage many students from even coming to the U.S.:
- 53% of respondents said they wouldn’t have enrolled if H-1Bs were allocated by seniority or wage.
- Among those currently planning to stay, 48% of master’s students and 52% of PhD students said they would drop the plan under that change.
- 38% of postdocs also said they would reconsider staying.
Clearly, uncertainty around U.S. work visa policies is already shaping international students’ perceptions. While many choose the U.S. for its educational excellence, the lack of a stable immigration pathway after graduation is increasingly pushing them toward friendlier destinations.
Why This Matters for India and Asia
Students from India and China form the backbone of the international student population in the United States. Together, they account for more than half of all F-1 visa holders. However, recent trends suggest that this dominance might be slipping.
In August 2025, arrivals from India dropped by 45% compared to the same month the previous year, while arrivals from China fell by 12%. This decline aligns closely with growing policy uncertainty around visa programs like OPT and H-1B.
For many Indian and Asian students, OPT serves as a crucial motivator. It allows them to gain U.S. work experience that enhances employability both locally and internationally. Removing that opportunity could drive students toward alternative destinations — most notably Canada, the U.K., and Australia, all of which offer straightforward post-study work options and clearer paths to permanent residency.
Broader Implications: Research, Innovation, and the Economy
The potential consequences of limiting or removing OPT extend well beyond student recruitment. U.S. universities and employers have long relied on international graduates to fill vital research and technical roles.
Here’s how losing OPT could ripple across sectors:
1. Reduced Research Output
Graduate students and postdocs are the backbone of academic research in the U.S. They contribute to major scientific discoveries, lead laboratory work, and help secure federal research grants. Losing this talent pool would weaken America’s global research competitiveness.
2. Impact on the STEM Workforce
OPT and H-1B visas feed directly into industries like engineering, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare — all areas where U.S. companies face skill shortages. Fewer international graduates means less innovation and slower technological progress.
3. Economic and Local Impacts
International students contribute billions of dollars annually through tuition, housing, and consumer spending. Cities like Boston, New York, and San Francisco benefit enormously from this flow. Without OPT, many students might leave right after graduation, depriving local economies of skilled labor and consumer activity.
4. Erosion of U.S. Global Influence
Education has long been a key pillar of America’s soft power. International alumni often return home as leaders, entrepreneurs, and diplomats — strengthening U.S. ties abroad. Losing this network could weaken the country’s global influence in the long term.
Competing Nations Are Capitalizing on U.S. Policy Shifts
While U.S. policymakers debate the future of OPT and work visas, other countries are quietly seizing the opportunity. Canada, for example, offers up to three years of post-study work with simple transition options to permanent residency. The U.K. recently reinstated its Graduate Route visa, allowing two years of post-study work for international students.
Even Australia and New Zealand have expanded their postgraduate work rights — all of which make them increasingly attractive alternatives to the United States.
In short, the global education landscape is shifting, and U.S. universities risk losing their competitive advantage if immigration pathways like OPT become uncertain or restrictive.
The Bottom Line: OPT Is the Lifeline of U.S. International Education
The 54% figure from the Institute for Progress and NAFSA survey sends a clear message: OPT is essential, not optional. It is a major driver of enrollment, a bridge to employment, and a key component of America’s higher education ecosystem.
Without OPT, the United States risks losing tens of thousands of talented students each year — individuals who could otherwise contribute to its economy, research output, and innovation landscape.
If the goal is to maintain the U.S. as the top global destination for higher education, policymakers must safeguard and strengthen programs like OPT. Failing to do so could open the door for other nations to attract the very talent that once built America’s global leadership in education and technology.
