H-1B visa program, which allows US companies to hire foreign professionals in specialised fields, is facing increasing scrutiny due to concerns over its impact on American workers.
Many US citizens, especially in tech sectors like software engineering, have voiced their frustrations on social media, claiming the program makes it more difficult for them to secure jobs.
Alongside this, now there is another call that is emerging to end other work authorisation programmes, such as F1-OPT/CPT and H4-EAD, which allow international students and spouses of H-1B visa holders to work in the US.
What is H4-EAD and F1-OPT/CPT program?
H4-EAD is an Employment Authorization Document available to spouses of H-1B visa holders (H4 visa holders), allowing them to work in the United States if certain criteria are met, most commonly when the H-1B holder has an approved I-140 as part of the green card process.
Once granted, H4-EAD holders can work for any employer, including being self-employed, and are not restricted by the terms of the H-1B holder’s job or employer.
In contrast, F-1 visa holders, international students, have access to work authorization through programs like OPT (Optional Practical Training) and CPT (Curricular Practical Training).
OPT allows students to work in jobs directly related to their major, either before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) graduation.
Post-completion OPT usually lasts 12 months, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates, and requires USCIS authorization and an EAD card. CPT, on the other hand, allows students to work off-campus in internships or co-op programs that are part of their academic curriculum.
It must be approved by the school, is tied to a specific employer, and is only available before graduation. Notably, using 12 months of full-time CPT typically disqualifies a student from later using OPT.
‘Stop H4-EAD and F1-OPT/ CPT Programs’
A recent social media post on Team Blind has raised a concern about stopping the H4-EAD and F1-OPT/CPT programmes.
In the post, it is mentioned that the H-1B visa program, which allows US companies to hire foreign professionals, has already made it difficult for Americans to secure jobs.
Now, the issue is with H4-EAD program, which grants work permits to spouses of H-1B visa holders. These spouses, the post suggests, are filling jobs that might otherwise go to US workers, leading to what some are calling a “double whammy” effect.
It further added that F1-OPT/ CPT Programs should also be halted.
The post states, ” so called student come here and they get 3 years OPT- EAD to work here(Thanks to Obama) and then if they are not picked up in lottery again they start another degeree to get day-1 CPT and this OPT/CPT cycle continues.”
‘This is absurd and needs to be stopped’
Netizens also posted their opinion on the post.
A user noted, “Maybe add salary requirements. But this is absurd and needs to be stopped – Allowing volunteering work for first year OPT to stop the clock. I wonder why it is allowed for STEM folks.”
Another claimed, “You should talk to Congress and your house and senate representatives.Indians aren’t the only ones on work visas fyi.”
A user added, “I mean – I personally have enough talent & experience to get a new job. But doing what’s right is also about what is best for the permanent workforce as a whole, not just about what is best for me personally.
I get it – visa people just want a chance. And “let the best candidate win” is perfect for them. They’re in the game. But again – walking and chewing gum – why not simultaneously increase skills and also work towards fewer guest workers. There are so many non-visa CS grads for example who are out of work.”
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