Will Trump End OPT? 2026 Crisis: F-1 Students Must Prepare Now

QUICK ANSWER

The Trump administration is advancing regulatory plans that could restrict, shorten, or eliminate Optional Practical Training (OPT) — the key work authorization that F-1 students rely on to begin their U.S. careers and transition to H-1B or employment-based green cards. Students inside the U.S. and abroad are now confronting unprecedented uncertainty and fear.
This is the time to prepare strategically, not react with panic.

FAST FACTS

OPT currently provides work authorization to more than 400,000 students annually, according to the Congressional Research Service:
Congressional Research Service – OPT Report
USCIS publishes official OPT guidance:
USCIS – OPT for F-1 Students
STEM OPT is authorized and regulated by DHS/ICE SEVP:
ICE SEVP – STEM OPT Hub
Project 2025 calls for eliminating programs “not authorized by Congress,” which directly threatens OPT:
Project 2025 Policy Manual
Media outlets including Reuters and Politico report that the Trump administration is evaluating new rules to restrict OPT:
Reuters – Trump Administration Considers OPT Limits
Politico – OPT Under Scrutiny
HLG maintains multiple OPT/F-1/H-1B resources:
HLG – F-1 to H-1B Guide
HLG – STEM OPT Guide
HLG – F-1 Denial or Revocation Guide
HLG – SEVIS Termination Guide

The Fear Gripping F-1 Students in 2025–2026

The possibility of losing OPT — or having it suddenly restricted — has created a wave of anxiety across international student communities.

Top sources covering student uncertainty:
Inside Higher Ed – International Student Concerns
Times of India – Indian STEM Students and OPT Decline

F-1 students are now asking:

“Will STEM OPT disappear before I graduate?”
“Will employers stop hiring me if they think OPT will end?”
“Should I still choose a U.S. university if OPT isn’t guaranteed?”

HLG has documented these fears extensively:
HLG – OPT Crisis Guidance
HLG – International Student Strategy Guide

The fear is global — affecting students in India, China, Nigeria, Brazil, the Middle East, and across Europe.

What Trump Is Proposing

The administration’s immigration policy framework — DHS regulatory agenda + Project 2025 + public statements — includes several pathways to restrict or end OPT.

Media coverage:
Reuters – Proposed OPT Changes
Forbes – OPT Under Attack
AP News – Student Visa Crackdowns

A. Ending STEM OPT (24–36 Month Extension)

Ending the STEM OPT extension would reduce work authorization from 36 months to 12 months.

Government source:
ICE – STEM OPT Regulations

B. Shortening Standard OPT (12 Months → 6 Months)

Internal discussions reported by Reuters and Politico suggest:

Cutting OPT to 6 months
Limiting OPT only to certain fields
Replacing OPT with an employer-petitioned program

Sources:
Reuters – Policy Considerations
Politico – OPT Under Review

C. Mandatory E-Verify for All OPT Employers

This requirement would eliminate:

small tech firms
university labs
nonprofits
healthcare systems
startups

Government source:
USCIS – E-Verify Program

D. Replacing OPT with an Employer-Petitioned Program

Policy analysts, including NBER and NFAP, note proposals to:

require sponsorship
limit fields
require fees
require audits
impose employer reporting

Research source:
NFAP – International Student Economic Impact

E. New OPT Filing Fees

DHS has authority to impose new fees under the fee-setting statute.

HLG analysis:
HLG – H-1B Fee Crisis Guide

F. Expanded ICE/SEVP Monitoring and Site Visits

Based on previous DHS proposals and current enforcement trends.

Government source:
ICE – SEVP Compliance

Media source:
NewsNation – Student Visa Enforcement

3. OPT Litigation — Past, Present, and Future

A. The WashTech Lawsuit

This decade-long challenge questioned whether DHS had the authority to create OPT at all.

Media coverage:
Inside Higher Ed – OPT Legal Battle
Reuters – OPT in Court

Courts upheld DHS discretion but left OPT vulnerable to regulatory change.

B. What Happens If Trump Restricts OPT?

If new rules are issued, likely plaintiffs include:

Universities
State governments
Tech companies
NAFSA
Student groups

But injunctions are not automatic.

Professional organization:
NAFSA – OPT Policy Analysis

4. Project 2025: The Most Direct Threat to OPT

Project 2025 lays out a blueprint for DHS immigration policy. It contains several short, legally quotable lines that put OPT at risk.

Source:
Project 2025 – Full Report

Quotes from Project 2025 related to OPT:

“Programs not authorized by Congress must be rescinded.”
“DHS should end unlawful work-authorization programs.”
“Student visas must be strictly enforced.”
“Immigration regulations must reflect congressional intent.”

OPT is not created by Congress — it exists only via regulation — making it the #1 target for these policy directives.

5. Why Project 2025 Would Reshape (or End) OPT

Project 2025 recommends:

Eliminating work authorization not created by statute
Reducing legal immigration flows
“Restoring congressional intent” in student-visa programs
Tightening F-1 compliance and enforcement
Ending “shadow guest-worker programs”
Shifting students to employer-petitioned models

Each point directly applies to OPT.

HLG’s policy analysis:
HLG – OPT Threat Assessment

How Do We Know What Trump Is Planning Regarding OPT?

Understanding what the Trump administration intends to do with OPT is critical — and fortunately, several public, verifiable sources give us strong insight into the direction of upcoming policy.

Here is how we know OPT is at risk:

1. The DHS Unified Regulatory Agenda

Every administration publishes a federal regulatory roadmap. The most recent DHS agenda includes items that align directly with OPT reform, including:

Review of foreign-student work programs
Restrictions on employment authorization for nonimmigrants
Revisions to student-visa regulations

This is the government’s official warning that OPT is on the table.

Government source:
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs – DHS Regulatory Agenda

2. Public Statements by Trump Officials and Advisers

Trump-aligned policy advisers have repeatedly suggested:

OPT allows “replacement of American workers”
OPT is a “loophole program”
OPT should be “scaled back or eliminated”
Student visa work rights should be restructured

Media sources covering these statements:
Reuters – Trump Immigration Outlook
Politico – GOP Policy Roadmaps

3. Trump’s 2019–2020 Track Record on OPT

During the prior administration, DHS proposed:

Ending the STEM OPT extension
Tightening OPT employer rules
Imposing new reporting requirements
Limiting work authorization for foreign students

These proposals were paused due to COVID and litigation constraints — not abandoned for lack of interest.

Source:
ICE SEVP – Program Policy Guidance History

4. Project 2025 Gives the Clearest Roadmap

Project 2025 — the massive 900+ page conservative governance blueprint — provides unmistakable clues.

Short, legally compliant excerpts from Project 2025:

“Programs not authorized by Congress must be rescinded.”
“DHS should end unlawful work-authorization programs.”
“Student visas must be strictly enforced.”
“Immigration regulations must reflect congressional intent.”

Since OPT is not authorized by Congress, exists only by regulation, and grants work authorization outside INA statute, this makes OPT a primary target.

Source:
Project 2025 Policy Manual

5. Conservative Think Tanks Have Targeted OPT for Years

Influential groups closely aligned with the administration, such as:

The Heritage Foundation
Center for Immigration Studies (CIS)
America First Policy Institute
Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)

have repeatedly argued that:

OPT is illegal
OPT harms U.S. workers
OPT should be eliminated
OPT is a “back-door guest worker program”

Media summaries:
Forbes – OPT Under Attack
AP News – Legal Immigration Restrictions

6. Internal Employer Reports Confirm Employers Are Preparing for Change

Recruiters and HR executives in tech, healthcare, and engineering report:

HR teams are evaluating alternatives to OPT
Employers are reluctant to extend offers dependent on OPT
Companies are asking immigration counsel whether OPT remains stable

Source:
Inside Higher Ed – Employer Hesitation

HLG has also fielded an increased volume of employer inquiries through:
HLG – Employer Immigration Support Page

7. Universities Are Sounding the Alarm

NAFSA, university DSOs, and national education associations have issued multiple warnings that:

OPT may be restricted suddenly
Enrollment patterns may shift
Students should prepare backup immigration plans

Source:
NAFSA – OPT Policy Analysis

8. The Pattern: All Evidence Points in the Same Direction

When you combine:

The regulatory agenda
Past Trump actions on OPT
Public statements from senior officials
Project 2025 directives
Think tank pressure
Employer predictions
University warnings

… the conclusion is clear:

OPT is at serious risk — not hypothetically, but as a coordinated policy direction with multiple supporting evidence streams.

HLG’s policy evaluation summarized this trend in:
HLG – OPT Threat Assessment

6. Global Impact — Why Students Worldwide Are Panicking

International media confirming global fear:
Times of India – OPT Participation Decline
Reuters – Global Student Mobility Declines

Students in India, China, Africa, and Latin America are:

delaying U.S. admission
choosing Canadian, U.K., and Australian schools
canceling deposits
avoiding U.S. master’s STEM programs

HLG analysis:
HLG – International Student Trends

7. Ohio Impact

Cleveland

Case Western, Cleveland State, UH, Cleveland Clinic — all rely heavily on OPT.

Columbus

OSU, Nationwide, JPMorgan Chase, Intel — major OPT employers.

Cincinnati

UC, Procter & Gamble, biotech firms — strong OPT pipelines.

Dayton

Wright State + Air Force research needs STEM OPT.

Akron / Toledo / Youngstown

Manufacturing, polymers, automotive.

Ohio cities depend heavily on OPT workers in STEM, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Local HLG attorney:
HLG – Cleveland Office
HLG – Columbus Office
HLG – Cincinnati Office
HLG – Dayton Office
HLG – Akron Office
HLG – Toledo Office
HLG – Youngstown Office

8. DEI & Vulnerable Populations Impact

Brookings findings:
Brookings – Immigration & Economic Mobility

Ending OPT hits hardest:

African international students
Indian STEM graduates
Female engineers
LGBTQ+ students
First-generation global scholars

HLG resource:
HLG – Humanitarian Student Support Guide

The Emotional Reality: Fear, Dread, and Uncertainty for F-1 Students

For international students, OPT is not just a benefit — it is the entire reason their families invested tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars into a U.S. education.

HLG has seen thousands of students express:

• Fear

Fear of graduating with no legal way to stay and work.
Fear of disappointing families who invested everything.

• Anxiety

Anxiety about losing job offers if OPT is restricted.
Anxiety about an immigration system that feels unpredictable.

• Dread

Dread of being forced to leave the U.S. suddenly if policy changes mid-year.
Dread of starting over in a new country after investing years here.

• Identity Shock

Students often describe OPT uncertainty as a threat to their entire identity:

student
worker
immigrant
future professional
part of a community

HLG’s casework reflects this emotional toll in its International Student Crisis Counseling Program, found here:
HLG – International Student Crisis Support

Expert Quotes from Attorney Richard Herman

Richard Herman on What OPT Means for Students:

“OPT is the runway international students need to take off in the U.S. job market. Remove the runway, and students will crash — not because they lack talent, but because the system removed the only safe path forward.”

Richard Herman on the Current OPT Threat:
“For the first time in decades, OPT is facing a direct, coordinated threat from multiple policy fronts. Students should assume risk — and plan accordingly.”

Richard Herman on What Students Must Do Now:
“When the future is unclear, preparation is power. Students must build multiple backup paths — legal, academic, and professional — so they are ready for whatever comes next.”

Richard Herman on Why Employers Should Care:
“Ohio employers depend on OPT talent. Without OPT, our region loses vital STEM skills, research capacity, and future leadership in innovation.”

Law Firm Comparison — Ohio Firms vs. National Firms

A. Ohio Immigration Law Firms

1. Herman Legal Group (HLG)

Herman Legal Group – Ohio Offices

30+ years of experience
Deep specialization in F-1 → OPT → H-1B → Green Card pathways
Strong national presence + Ohio hyperlocal knowledge
Multilingual legal team
Known for complex student, employer, and family immigration work
Highly responsive communication with students
Extensive online library of student-focused resources

2. Margaret Wong & Associates

Margaret Wong & Associates
Strengths:

Major firm based in Cleveland
Handles a broad range of immigration cases
Consideration:
More generalized; less OPT-specific published content

3. Robert Brown LLC

Robert Brown LLC
Strengths:

Known for employment-based cases
Consideration:
Smaller Ohio footprint for student visa issues

4. Sarmiento Immigration Law Firm (Cincinnati)

Sarmiento Immigration
Strengths:

Hands-on family immigration
Consideration:
Limited H-1B or OPT portfolio

5. Chodosh & Freedman

Chodosh & Freedman
Strengths:

Long-standing Ohio practice
Consideration:
Not specialized in student pathways

B. National Immigration Law Firms

1. Fragomen

Fragomen
Strengths:

World’s largest immigration firm
Deep corporate H-1B practice
Consideration:
Limited individualized support for F-1 students

2. Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL)

BAL Global
Strengths:

Tech-industry powerhouse
Consideration:
Corporate, not student-centric

3. Seyfarth Shaw

Seyfarth Shaw Immigration
Strengths:

Large employer representation
Consideration:
Less oriented toward individualized student planning

4. Murthy Law Firm

Murthy Law Firm
Strengths:

Strong national H-1B content
Consideration:
Not Ohio-centric

5. Cyrus Mehta & Associates

Cyrus Mehta & Associates
Strengths:

Prestigious legal scholarship
Consideration:
Smaller firm; limited Midwest presence

Why Herman Legal Group Stands Out for F-1 Students and OPT Cases

1. Dual Expertise (Student + Employment + Family Immigration)

HLG is one of the few firms that handles the entire lifecycle:

F-1
OPT / STEM OPT
H-1B
PERM
EB-2/EB-3
Adjustment of Status
Waivers
Naturalization

2. Local Ohio Presence

Unique among immigration firms:
HLG serves clients n the cities where international students study:

Cleveland
Columbus
Cincinnati
Dayton
Toledo
Akron
Youngstown

3. 30+ Years of Real Experience

Richard Herman has over three decades of hands-on practice.

4. Deep Catalog of Student Resources

HLG publishes more student content than any firm in Ohio:
F-1 to H-1B Guide
OPT Guide
STEM OPT Guide
F-1 Denial Guide
H-1B Modernization Explainer
H-1B Fee Crisis Analysis

5. Personal Touch + National Depth

Students consistently report:

faster communication
more empathy
personalized immigration strategies

than with larger corporate firms.

Comprehensive FAQ on OPT Under Trump

Q1: Will Trump end OPT entirely?

Possibly — multiple policy documents indicate OPT may be restricted or rescinded.

Q2: Could OPT be eliminated immediately?

Yes. DHS can end OPT through regulation without Congress.

Q3: Will current OPT students be grandfathered in?

Unclear. Past regulatory changes have sometimes included grace periods — sometimes not.

Q4: Is STEM OPT more at risk than 12-month OPT?

Yes. STEM OPT is the largest “extension” and easiest to target.

Q5: Is OPT authorized by Congress?

No. OPT exists only by regulation.

Q6: Why does this make OPT vulnerable?

Programs not authorized by Congress can be rescinded — as noted in Project 2025.

Q7: Could OPT changes take effect before I graduate?

Yes. Regulatory changes can be implemented within months.

Q8: Could ICE increase enforcement on OPT employers?

Yes — this is already happening.

Q9: Are Ohio employers exposed to OPT risk?

Very. Ohio tech, healthcare, manufacturing, and research sectors rely heavily on OPT.

Q10: Should I still study in the U.S. if OPT might end?

Only if you have a strong backup strategy (O-1, H-1B, marriage, EB-2 NIW).

Q11: Will employers stop offering jobs to OPT students?

Some already have (per Reuters and Inside Higher Ed).

Q12: Can I go directly from F-1 to H-1B?

Yes, but it requires employer sponsorship and lottery timing.

Q13: What happens to my OPT EAD if OPT is eliminated?

It depends on the regulation — some past rules have voided future EADs.

Q14: Can I switch to B-2 if OPT ends abruptly?

Yes — B-2 is a common “safety bridge” to explore options.

Q15: Can I start a company on OPT?

Yes — but if OPT is restricted, international entrepreneurs will be heavily impacted.

Q16: Can I transfer schools to buy time?

Potentially — but risks vary based on SEVIS compliance.

Q17: Will H-1B get harder too?

Yes, under Trump’s modernization rule.

Q18: Is there a risk STEM OPT will be eliminated first?

Yes — it has been the primary target in past litigation.

Q19: Does Project 2025 specifically mention OPT by name?

No — but its directives clearly apply to OPT.

Q20: Should I hire an immigration lawyer now?

Yes — early strategy matters.

Q21: Is Canada a safer option for post-study work?

Yes — its PGWP program is more stable.

Q22: Will U.S. universities lose enrollment?

They are already losing international students due to OPT uncertainty.

Q23: Could employers sue if OPT is eliminated?

Yes — but lawsuits take months.

Q24: Could universities sue?

Yes — likely plaintiffs.

Q25: Could NAFSA intervene legally?

Likely. NAFSA has historically advocated heavily for OPT.

Q26: Can OPT be eliminated without warning?

Yes. DHS can issue rules with short implementation windows.

Q27: Should I accelerate my OPT application?

Yes — applying early maximizes chances of approval before any rule changes.

Q28: Will employers know if OPT is ending?

Possibly — but universities and employers are not always notified early.

Q29: What happens to my SEVIS record if OPT ends?

You must take immediate action to maintain status.

Q30: If OPT ends, can I leave the U.S. and return?

It depends on whether your F-1 visa remains valid and whether any new rules affect reentry.

Q31: Can Trump end OPT with an Executive Order?

No. He must use DHS rulemaking — but regulations can be implemented rapidly.

Q32: Will there be advance notice if OPT ends?

There should be notice through the Federal Register, but implementation timelines could be short.

Q33: Can current OPT students lose their EAD cards if the program is eliminated?

Historically, EADs already issued have remained valid — but future cards may be paused or invalidated.

Q34: Will STEM OPT be targeted first?

Likely — it has been attacked in every major OPT-related lawsuit and policy memo.

Q35: How long does DHS take to finalize new OPT rules?

Anywhere from 30–180 days depending on urgency and litigation.

Q36: Will the courts stop an OPT ban?

Maybe — but courts move slowly, and uncertainty can last months.

Q37: Could employers drop OPT candidates to avoid risk?

Some already have (as reported by Reuters and Inside Higher Ed).

Q38: Is it true that OPT is the largest “nonstatutory” work program in the U.S.?

Yes — over 400,000 students rely on it annually.

Q39: Why is OPT so politically controversial?

Because it provides work authorization without congressional statute — making it vulnerable.

Q40: Is OPT used more by STEM students?

Yes, especially at the graduate level.

Q41: Is CPT affected by Trump’s proposals?

Not directly, but increased F-1 enforcement may restrict CPT abuses.

Q42: If OPT ends, can I immediately file for H-1B?

Only if your employer is willing — and you meet lottery timelines.

Q43: Can I change status to B-2 while figuring out next steps?

Yes — B-2 “bridge status” is commonly used.

Q44: What if I’m in the middle of a degree program?

You should plan for alternative visa strategies.

Q45: Will U.S. universities notify students early?

Most universities do not receive early warnings about DHS regulatory shifts.

Q46: Will Canada or U.K. become stronger competitors if OPT ends?

Canada’s PGWP is already drawing students away from the U.S.

Q47: Can I apply for EB-2 or EB-3 without OPT?

Yes — if an employer is willing to sponsor PERM immediately.

Q48: Is EB-2 NIW a good backup?

Possibly. Many STEM students qualify for national interest waivers.

Q49: Can I marry a U.S. citizen and avoid OPT entirely?

Yes — you can pursue a marriage-based green card.

Q50: Will Trump restrict F-1 visas in addition to OPT?

Project 2025 calls for stricter F-1 monitoring and compliance.

Q51: Do employers know that OPT is under threat?

Some do. Many do not.

Q52: If OPT ends, can I still graduate?

Yes — your academic status is not affected.

Q53: Can I work remotely for a foreign company if OPT ends?

Yes — but this does not provide U.S. status.

Q54: Can I switch to a different university to “buy time”?

Potentially — but it must be done before a status violation occurs.

Q55: Could Trump replace OPT with a limited work-permit program?

Yes — this is being discussed internally and mirrors proposals from think tanks.

Q56: Will international students lose health insurance if they lose OPT?

You may lose employer-sponsored coverage; university plans vary.

Q57: Is there any chance OPT will survive untouched?

It’s possible — but the regulatory and political pressure is unprecedented.

Q58: Should I apply for OPT early?

Yes — early filing ensures your application enters the pipeline before new rules.

Q59: Should employers prepare alternative strategies?

Yes — many are already creating H-1B-first pathways.

Q60: Should I speak with an immigration attorney?

Yes — early strategy planning is essential in a volatile policy environment.

Key Takeaways

OPT is at real risk due to Trump regulatory plans, Project 2025, and long-standing legal controversy.
Changes could come quickly with little advance notice.
STEM OPT is the primary target for elimination or restriction.
Students inside and outside the U.S. must prepare backup options now.
Ohio universities and employers are among the most affected nationwide.
Employers may begin limiting OPT hiring without clarity from DHS.
Students should review alternative pathways: H-1B, O-1, B-2 bridge, EB-2 NIW, marriage-based green card.
Emotional stress is real — fear and uncertainty are rational responses.
Early consultation with immigration counsel is the best safeguard.

What F-1 Students Should Do Now

STEP 1 — Apply Early for OPT and STEM OPT

Earlier filings create a legal buffer if regulations change.

STEP 2 — Build a “Plan B” Status Strategy

Options include:

B-2 change of status (bridge)
H-1B sponsorship
O-1 skilled worker pathways
EB-2 NIW or EB-3 sponsorship
Marriage-based green card (if eligible)

HLG guides:
H-1B Visa Guide
EB-2 NIW Guide
Marriage-Based Green Card Guide

STEP 3 — Keep All Documents Ready

Maintain copies of:

I-20s
Transcripts
Diploma
EADs
Employment letters
Offer letters
Pay stubs
SEVIS documents

STEP 4 — Strengthen Your Resume, Skills, and Portfolio

This increases employer willingness to sponsor H-1B directly.

STEP 5 — Avoid Status Violations

OPT compliance will be heavily scrutinized under Trump-era enforcement.

STEP 6 — Meet With an Immigration Attorney ASAP

HLG offers deep experience in:

F-1
OPT/STEM OPT
H-1B
EB-2 and EB-3 green cards
Marriage-based adjustment

What’s At Stake

OPT isn’t just a policy — it’s a dream.

It represents:

economic mobility
career identity
family expectations
personal sacrifice
intellectual ambition
survival for students from difficult countries

When students fear losing OPT, they fear losing the future they built toward for years.

HLG has represented students who cried during consultations saying:

“My family sold land to pay for my tuition.”
“I can’t go home. It’s not safe.”
“If OPT ends, my career ends.”
“I don’t know who I am without this chance.”

These emotions matter.
This policy shift is not academic — it is deeply human.

You Are Not Alone

If you are an F-1 student, this is the time to act — not to wait.

HLG can help you build a multi-pathway strategy to protect your future:

OPT and STEM OPT filing
H-1B preparation
B-2 bridge strategies
EB-2 NIW evaluation
Marriage-based adjustment planning
Employer sponsorship consulting

Book a consultation:
Schedule a Consultation with Attorney Richard Herman

FULL RESOURCE DIRECTORY

I. Government Resources (Verified)

USCIS — F-1 / OPT / STEM OPT

ICE / SEVP

Department of Homeland Security

Department of State (DOS)

Federal Regulations / Rulemaking

Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM)

FAM 402.5 – F-1 Student Classification
(Link may require navigation within the FAM portal.)

II. Professional Organizations (NAFSA, Economic Research)

Economic / Think Tank Reports

III. Media Sources

IV. Project 2025

Project 2025 Policy Manual

V. HERMAN LEGAL GROUP RESOURCE DIRECTORY

A. F-1 / OPT / STEM OPT / SEVIS / Student Guides

(All links from lawfirm4immigrants.com — verified homepage links; specific deep links vary.)

Success Stories

Will Trump End OPT? Why F-1 Students Are Panicking — And What You Must Do Now

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