US considers $100k fee for foreign graduates working post-study

The Trump administration is reportedly considering a significant proposal that could impose a $100,000 fee on international students who wish to work in the United States after completing their studies. This potential policy change, which is still under discussion within the Department of Homeland Security, centers on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The OPT program currently allows eligible international students, primarily on F-1 visas, to stay and work in the U.S. for up to one year after graduation, gaining practical experience in their field. Students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields can typically extend this period by an additional two years, for a total of three years. The rationale behind this proposed fee is reportedly tied to the administration's broader efforts to tighten immigration policies and address concerns about visa fraud and overstays associated with the OPT program. However, the implementation of such a substantial fee raises concerns about its potential impact on foreign graduates, U.S. universities, and employers. Critics argue that a $100,000 fee would make the U.S. a less attractive destination for international students, potentially leading to a decline in enrollment and the loss of skilled talent. The prospect of this fee is particularly significant for Indian students, who constitute the largest international student community in the United States. With over 363,000 Indian students enrolled in U.S. universities during the 2024-25 academic year, and a substantial number participating in the OPT program, a new fee could disproportionately affect this demographic. Many Indian students pursue STEM fields, making the OPT extension a critical component of their post-graduation plans. The potential financial burden could deter prospective students and impact the career aspirations of current graduates. The proposal is not without its complexities, and details regarding its finalization and implementation remain unclear. It is not yet determined whether the White House will approve the fee, nor is it clear who would be responsible for paying it – the students themselves or their prospective employers. If employers are expected to bear the cost, it could lead them to favor domestic candidates over international graduates. Conversely, if students are required to pay, many may find it financially prohibitive. This potential policy shift occurs against a backdrop of evolving U.S. immigration policies for international students. Recent changes have included the replacement of the "Duration of Status" system with fixed periods of stay for student visas, requiring closer monitoring of visa status and potential repercussions for overstays. Furthermore, there have been reports of fewer job opportunities for international graduates, with major sectors like tech and finance experiencing hiring slowdowns. The news was initially reported by The Wall Street Journal, and subsequently covered by various international news outlets, including India Today, The Independent, The Hindustan Times, and The Korea JoongAng Daily, among others. The date of publication for the India Today article in question appears to be around July 30, 2026, based on the provided search results, though some related articles were published on July 31, 2026. The proposed fee, if implemented, would represent a significant change in the pathway for international graduates seeking to work in the U.S. It underscores a trend towards more stringent immigration controls and a potentially less welcoming environment for foreign talent, prompting many to reconsider the "American Dream". The Department of Homeland Security has stated that no policies should be considered final until formally announced, and they are always having conversations about how to use all tools in their arsenal to protect the integrity of the legal immigration system.

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