US Weighs 100,000 dollar OPT Fee for International Students After Graduation

Working in the United States after graduation could become significantly more expensive for international students as the Trump administration considers a proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. The proposal, submitted by the Department of Homeland Security for White House review, could affect foreign students who use OPT to gain work experience in the US after completing their degrees. The proposal is still under review and has not been approved or implemented.

OPT is an important part of the US higher education system for international students. Under current rules, eligible F-1 students can generally work for up to 12 months after completing their studies, while graduates with qualifying STEM degrees can receive an additional 24-month extension. A six-figure fee could significantly alter the financial calculation for students planning to study in the US. International students already face high tuition fees and living costs, and an additional $100,000 charge could make post-graduation employment unaffordable for some.

The proposal could be particularly significant for Indian students, who form one of the largest international student groups in the US. Many Indian graduates pursue STEM programmes and rely on OPT to gain professional experience before seeking longer-term employment options. There is also uncertainty over who would be required to pay the proposed fee. If employers are responsible, companies could become more selective about hiring international graduates. If students are required to bear the cost, the financial burden could be even greater.

The proposal also comes as the US administration pursues broader changes to immigration and foreign-worker programmes. The government has separately sought to increase costs associated with the H-1B visa, another major route used by skilled foreign workers. For universities and employers, changes to OPT could have wider consequences. US colleges could face difficulties attracting international applicants if students become uncertain about their ability to work after graduation. Employers in technology, engineering and other specialised fields could also face changes in access to international talent.

There is no $100,000 OPT fee in force. The proposal remains subject to review, and important details such as the final amount, who would pay it, possible exemptions and when any new rule could take effect have yet to be determined. International students planning to study or work in the US should therefore avoid treating the proposal as an existing requirement and wait for an official policy announcement before making decisions based on the reported fee.

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