New US Bill Could Let International Students Work in America for Up to 4 Years
Congresswoman Valerie Foushee has introduced the Stop the Brain Drain Act, a bill that would extend work opportunities in the United States for international graduates on F-1 visas and formally establish the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme in federal law.
Under current rules, international students on F-1 visas can work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation through the OPT programme. Graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for an additional 24-month extension.
The proposed legislation would expand these limits by granting all F-1 visa holders a 24-month extension, while STEM and nursing graduates could receive a further 24 months, allowing them to remain in the country for up to 48 months in total. The bill would also place the OPT programme on a statutory footing.
At present, the scheme operates through administrative regulations rather than legislation passed by Congress. Critics have argued that the programme lacks sufficient legal protections for American workers.
By writing OPT into federal law, the proposal seeks to provide greater long-term stability and reduce the risk of future regulatory changes affecting the programme. A key provision in the legislation is the inclusion of nursing within the STEM category.
This would allow nursing graduates to qualify for the longer OPT extension. The change reflects increasing demand for healthcare workers and growing recognition of nursing as a technically specialised profession.
Foushee said international graduates often struggle to secure visa sponsorship within the current one-year period after completing their studies. She said that the existing timeframe is becoming increasingly difficult for graduates seeking to remain and work in the United States, particularly in STEM fields.
If passed, the Stop the Brain Drain Act would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and create a longer and more clearly defined route for international graduates seeking employment in the US. Universities and employers could also benefit from broader access to skilled international workers as global competition for talent continues to increase.
The bill has not yet advanced through Congress, but it adds to the wider debate over immigration policy, workforce needs and the role of international graduates in the American economy.
