Trump Administration Considers $100,000 OPT Fee for International Students
Aug 5, 2026
International students planning to study in the United States may soon face a major setback as the Trump administration is reportedly considering imposing a $100,000 fee on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, the popular post-study work pathway that allows international graduates to gain professional experience in the US.
Although the proposal has not been officially approved, reports indicate it is under active discussion within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). A DHS spokesperson has stated that no policy should be regarded as final until it is formally announced, but stopped short of denying that the proposal is being considered.
If implemented, the fee could make OPT financially out of reach for thousands of international graduates, significantly reducing one of the biggest advantages of studying in the United States.
OPT currently allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the US for up to 12 months after completing their studies. Graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields can extend their work authorization by an additional 2 years, allowing them to gain valuable industry experience before pursuing longer-term employment opportunities.
The program has long been a key attraction for students choosing the US as a study destination. According to the latest data from the Institute of International Education (IIE), nearly 295,000 international students participated in OPT during the 2024/25 academic year. Participation continued to grow, with Indian students accounting for almost half of all OPT beneficiaries.
The reported proposal comes amid broader immigration reforms under the Trump administration. Beginning in September, international students on OPT will also be required to apply for an extension of stay with the Department of Homeland Security following changes to the F-1 visa system.
For years, some government officials have called for major reforms, or even the elimination of OPT, arguing that the program requires stronger oversight. The administration is also expected to unveil wider changes to the program later this year.
One of the biggest uncertainties surrounding the proposed fee is who would ultimately be responsible for paying it. It remains unclear whether the cost would fall on international students, US employers, or universities sponsoring graduates.
The proposal follows last year's attempt to introduce a similar $100,000 fee for H-1B skilled worker visas. That measure drew strong criticism from universities, employers, and technology companies before a federal appeals court temporarily blocked its implementation.
Education experts warn that introducing such a substantial fee for OPT could further reduce international student interest in the United States. Many institutions are already reporting declining applications following months of visa restrictions and policy uncertainty.
The importance of OPT to prospective students cannot be overstated. Surveys consistently show that post-study work opportunities are among the most influential factors when choosing a study destination. Research by NAFSA found that more than half of international postgraduate students said they would not have enrolled at a US university if OPT had been removed.
As students increasingly weigh the return on investment of an overseas degree, access to practical work experience remains a decisive advantage. Any significant changes to OPT, especially one involving a six-figure fee, could reshape international student recruitment and influence where future students choose to pursue their education.
For now, the proposal remains under consideration, but it has already sparked concern across the international education sector. Students planning to study in the US should continue to monitor official announcements, as any decision on the proposed fee could have far-reaching implications for future international enrolments and post-study work opportunities.
Source: The PIE News