International students planning to study and work in the United States may soon face a major financial challenge.
Reports suggest that the Trump administration is considering a proposal to charge a $100,000 (around ₹87 lakh) fee for students who want to work in the US after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
The proposal is still under discussion and has not been approved yet.
However, if implemented, it could significantly increase the cost of working in the US after completing higher education.
What Is the OPT Programme?
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the US in jobs related to their field of study after graduation.
Under the current rules:
Most students can work for up to 12 months after completing their studies.
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) courses can extend their work authorization for up to three years.
Many international students use OPT to gain work experience before applying for long-term work visas such as the H-1B visa.
How Could the New Fee Work?
According to reports, the proposed $100,000 fee would be linked to participation in the OPT programme.
Officials are still discussing who would pay the amount.
The fee could be paid by:
The student
The employer
The educational institution
The proposal is reportedly being considered after a similar plan related to H-1B visas faced legal challenges.
The administration is also expected to review and possibly introduce other changes to the OPT programme as part of broader immigration reforms.
Why Indian Students Could Be Most Affected
India sends one of the largest numbers of international students to the United States every year.
A large percentage of them pursue STEM courses, where the OPT programme is an important pathway to gain work experience after graduation.
If the proposed fee becomes a reality, students could face a much higher financial burden on top of already expensive tuition fees and living costs.
The change could also make it harder for US universities to attract international students, while companies in sectors like technology and finance may find it more difficult to hire skilled graduates from abroad.
Supporters and Critics Have Different Views
Supporters of the proposal believe stricter rules could reduce misuse of temporary work programmes and encourage companies to hire more American workers.
Critics argue that such a high fee could discourage talented students from choosing the US for higher education.
They believe many students may instead prefer countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia, where post-study work opportunities are generally more accessible.
Universities have also raised concerns, saying international students play an important role in research, innovation, and campus funding.
No Final Decision Yet
For now, the proposal has not become official policy, and the existing OPT rules remain unchanged.
The Trump administration is expected to announce more details as part of its ongoing review of student visa and immigration policies.
Until then, international students can continue to apply for OPT under the current regulations.
