Trump Proposes $100,000 OPT Fee for Foreign Students

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to charge $100,000 for international students who want to stay and work in the United States after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. While the proposal has not been approved, it is being discussed within the administration and has already created uncertainty among students and universities.

According to a person familiar with the discussions, the proposal is part of the administration’s broader effort to tighten immigration rules. A White House official said there is no immediate policy change, but did not deny that the proposal is under consideration.

OPT Could Become Too Expensive: The OPT program allows international students on F1 visas to remain in the US after graduation and work in jobs related to their degree. For many students, it is the first step toward building a career in America before applying for an H1B work visa.

If the proposed $100,000 fee is introduced, many students may no longer be able to afford the program. Experts say it could make the US a less attractive destination for higher education.

Trump Administration Targets OPT: The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized the OPT program. Officials argue that it increases the risk of visa fraud and allows some students to overstay their visas. Because of these concerns, the administration has been looking at ways to tighten the program.

According to the Institute of International Education, nearly 300,000 international students were enrolled in the OPT program as of last fall, accounting for about one quarter of all foreign students in the United States.

More Restrictions on Student Visas: The proposed fee comes after another recent immigration change. Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would end a long standing policy that allowed F1 students to stay in the US for the full duration of their studies.

Under the new proposal, many student visas could be limited to four years, unless students receive a special extension. This marks another major shift in US immigration policy affecting international students.

Similar Proposal for H1B Visas: The proposed OPT fee is similar to the administration’s earlier attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on H1B work visas.

However, a US federal judge recently ruled that the H1B fee was illegal. The Trump administration has appealed that decision, meaning the legal battle is still ongoing.

What It Means for Indian Students: India is one of the largest sources of international students in the US, with thousands relying on the OPT program to gain work experience after graduation.

If the proposal becomes official, many Indian students could reconsider studying in the US due to the sharply higher cost. Universities, especially those that depend on international enrolment, may also face a decline in admissions.

For now, the proposal remains under internal discussion, and no final decision has been announced. However, if implemented, it would represent one of the biggest changes to the US post study work system in recent years.