US Curtails CPT Work Options Amid Drop in Student Visa Issuance

Dr. Karan Gupta's Perspective

Harvard Alumnus · 27 Years · 160,000+ Students

This development is a significant curveball for Indian students eyeing the US for their higher education, particularly those targeting valuable work experience alongside their studies. I've observed similar shifts before, where fluctuating policy landscapes in the US altered the educational dreams of many Indian students. With the tightening of CPT regulations and the drop in student visa issuance, the US is becoming a more challenging environment for students who hope to fund their education through work-study roles. For students and parents, the imperative now is multifaceted. They must engage in diligent planning and re-evaluation of both education and career strategies. While the allure of a US degree remains potent, I advise students to actively consider alternative destinations like Canada or Australia, which currently offer more favorable work-study opportunities. Additionally, engage deeply with career advisors to understand the broader implications of these changes and recalibrate financial plans to account for potential delays in career trajectories. It's crucial to remain informed about SEVP guidelines and requirements surrounding CPTs to navigate this complex landscape effectively. This might be the moment to broaden scope beyond traditional expectations, remaining agile and open to pivoting paths if necessary.