US proposes $100,000 fee on post-study work permits, 3.6 lakh Indians hit

The proposed fee would apply to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows international graduates to work in the US for up to three years after completing their studies.US mulls $100,000 fee on post-study work permits for international studentsThe Donald Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students seeking to work in the United States after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. If implemented, the move could significantly affect Indian students, who form the largest international student community in the US.The proposal is currently under discussion at the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, it is yet to receive final approval, and it remains unclear whether the White House has endorsed the plan or who exactly would be required to pay the fee - students, universities or employers.The OPT programme allows international students on F-1 visas to gain work experience related to their field of study after graduation. Students are generally eligible for 12 months of OPT, while graduates in eligible STEM fields can extend their work authorisation by an additional 24 months, allowing them to work in the US for up to three years.PROPOSED OPT FEE IS PART OF BROADER OVERHAULAccording to the WSJ report, the proposed OPT fee is part of a broader overhaul of immigration policies under consideration by the Trump administration. The report noted that the administration is also reviewing regulations governing the OPT programme, with changes expected to be announced soon. The proposal could have a significant impact on Indian students. According to the latest Open Doors data, India has become the largest source of international students in the United States, with more than 3.3 lakh Indian students enrolled in American institutions. Hindustan Times reported that the proposal could affect over 3.6 lakh Indians studying or planning to work in the US after graduation.If approved, the fee would substantially increase the cost of remaining in the US after completing a degree and could deter prospective international students from choosing American universities. Universities and employers that rely heavily on international talent, particularly in the technology and finance sectors, are also expected to be affected, the report says.- EndsPublished By: Mridusmita DekaPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 08:51 IST