The Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students who wish to work in the United States after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. If implemented, the proposal would dramatically increase the cost of obtaining post-study work authorization for foreign graduates.
The OPT programme allows eligible international students on F-1 visas to gain temporary work experience related to their field of study after completing their degrees. It is widely used by graduates, particularly those in STEM disciplines, as a pathway to gain professional experience and transition to longer-term employment in the US.
India, one of the largest sources of international students in the US, could be among the countries most affected if the proposal moves forward. Universities, technology companies and student advocacy groups have expressed concern that such a high fee could discourage international enrolment, reduce access to post-study employment and affect the US talent pipeline. The proposal is still under consideration and has not yet been finalized.
