Could working in the US after graduation get costlier? New OPT $100,000 fee proposal reaches White House for review

A Department of Homeland Security proposal to change fees for the Optional Practical Training program, which allows international students to work in the United States after graduation, has reached the White House for review, signaling a possible next step in the Trump administration's reported plan to impose a steep new charge on the program.New US OPT fee proposal reaches White House as Trump administration weighs major post-study work changes. (Representational image) (Unsplash)The proposal was sent to the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on Thursday, according to the federal regulatory tracking system. The listing, provides no details about the proposed fee changes or the amount under consideration.According to Bloomberg Law report, the announcement comes after earlier reports that the administration was weighing a $100,000 fee connected to OPT, a key work authorization program used by international students after completing their studies.Also read: Harvard University warns international students to return to US before September 15 as new F-1, J-1 visa rules nearWhat the White House review meansThe proposal is now under review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, a key step in the federal rulemaking process before a regulation can be publicly released.The OIRA listing does not confirm that DHS will impose a $100,000 OPT fee. It only identifies the measure as a proposal involving fees for the foreign graduate work program. Any final details, including the fee amount, who would be required to pay it and when it could take effect, have not yet been made public.That distinction is important for international students and employers. The six-figure fee reported earlier remains a proposal under consideration rather than an announced final rule.Bloomberg Law reported on July 31 that the Trump administration was weighing a $100,000 fee for foreign students seeking to work in the US after graduation through OPT.Also read: Green card rule changes: New US public charge test to assess age, health, finances and more – all you need to knowWhy OPT matters for Indian and other international studentsOPT allows eligible F-1 students to obtain temporary employment authorization related to their field of study. Students who graduate from qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs can receive up to three years of work authorization through the standard OPT period and the STEM OPT extension.The program is also an important bridge for many graduates seeking longer-term employment in the US, including those hoping to later move to H-1B status.Bloomberg Law reported that about 300,000 F-1 students had employment authorization through OPT last year. A substantial new fee could therefore affect both international graduates and US employers that rely on the program to recruit early-career workers.The proposal's White House review comes as the administration is also advancing changes involving H-1B petition fees. DHS earlier received White House clearance for a separate rule adjusting fees connected to H-1B worker petitions.