When international students in the US finish their studies, many lean on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme to stay employed and build careers. But now, that option feels under siege.

Senator Tom Cotton’s OPT Fair Tax Act would force students on OPT and their employers to pay FICA taxes (Social Security + Medicare), ending the long-standing exemption.

The bill would require employers to match contributions just like for US workers—meaning both sides would pay the same share. Currently, OPT participants don’t pay these payroll taxes.

Because Social Security tax is 6.2% and Medicare is 1.45% (each side bearing that), the combined burden is 15.3% of wages. That means foreign students could lose about 15% of their take-home pay, if the rule passes.

H-1B, OPT, AND THE INDIAN ST

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