OPT rules could change: US Embassy official to students

Indian students, who were going to the US for higher education, should check with their universities for any modifications in the optional practical training rules, Joseph M. Pomper, minister counselor for consular affairs, US Embassy, New Delhi, said today.

OPT is a temporary employment visa that is directly related to F-1 student visas. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorisation before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). Foreign students in the US are eligible for OPT after they complete their courses.

“All employment based visa programmes are currently under review following which there could be changes,” Mr Pomper said, on Wednesday at the US mission’s fourth annual Student Visa Day.


Students who have earned degrees in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields at US institutions, are currently entitled to a 24-month OPT employment authorisation period.

The US missions in India host the annual students visa day to help students who have secured admission at US universities and colleges with their visa. This year, 4000 students across the country, who had applied for visas were interviewed on Student Visa Day in the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, and Consulates General in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai.

“International educational exchange plays a central role in the U.S.-India relationship. Student exchanges between our two countries help strengthen the foundation upon which our strategic partnership is built,” remarked deputy chief of mission MaryKay Carlson, at the event.