Key Takeaways
- U.S. proposes a $100,000 fee for post-study OPT work authorization.
- Indian students could face the biggest impact due to high enrollment.
- The proposal remains under review and is not yet official.
The Trump administration is considering the Trump OPT fee proposal, which would charge international students a $100,000 fee to obtain post-study work authorization under the Optional Practical Training program, a move that could disproportionately affect Indian students, who now make up the largest group of international students in the United States. The proposal remains under review and has not been finalized.
The proposed fee would apply to students seeking work authorization through the Optional Practical Training, or OPT, program. The program allows eligible international graduates to work in the United States for up to one year, with STEM graduates eligible for extensions of up to three years.
Officials have not announced a final policy on the Trump OPT fee proposal. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said no proposal should be considered final until it is formally announced and that discussions continue on measures to protect the integrity of the legal immigration system.
Indian Students Face the Greatest Financial Impact
India has become the largest source of international students in the United States, making Indian graduates among those most likely to be affected if the Trump OPT fee proposal moves forward. Many students rely on OPT to gain professional experience, repay education loans and transition to long-term employment through employer-sponsored visas.
According to reports, it remains unclear whether the proposed fee would be paid by students, employers, or universities. The administration is also reviewing broader changes to the OPT program, including new requirements tied to visa extensions after graduation.
Education experts and immigration advocates have expressed concern that such a high fee could discourage international students from choosing U.S. universities. They argue the measure could reduce access to post-study employment and weaken the country’s ability to attract skilled global talent.
Universities and Employers Watch Policy Closely
The Trump OPT fee proposal could also affect U.S. universities that depend on international student enrollment and employers in sectors such as technology and finance that regularly recruit graduates through the OPT pathway before sponsoring them for longer-term work visas.
There were about 419,000 international graduates participating in the OPT program in 2024, according to reported government data. Industry groups warn that significantly increasing the cost of work authorization may encourage students to pursue higher education in countries with more accessible post-study employment policies.
The administration has not provided a timeline for a final decision on the Trump OPT fee proposal. Until an official announcement is made, the proposal remains under consideration, and existing OPT rules continue to apply.
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