US OPT Fee Could Reach $100,000 Under Trump’s New Plan
Table of Content
Key Highlights
- The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students who wish to work in the US after graduation.
- The proposed fee could apply to Optional Practical Training (OPT) visas.
- This new fee could affect international student enrolment and early-career opportunities in the US.
- OPT allows eligible international graduates to work in the US for one to three years in a job related to their field of study.
- Around 418,000 students were authorised to work through OPT in 2024.
- The proposal has not been confirmed by the Trump administration, and no immediate announcement was expected.
What is the Proposed $100,000 Fee?
The Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a programme that allows international students who graduate from US universities to gain work experience in the country.
OPT is available to students on F-1 visas and allows recent graduates to work in the US for one to three years, provided the job is directly connected to their area of study. The proposal would make the cost of accessing this post-study work option significantly higher for international graduates.
How Many Students Use OPT?
OPT is an important pathway for international students who want to gain professional experience after completing their studies in the US. The programme is particularly relevant for graduates looking to move from university into the US job market.
Around 418,000 students were authorized to work in the US through OPT in 2024. This represented about 26% of the 1.58 million foreign students holding F-1 or M-1 visas that year.
What Could the New Fee Mean for International Students
If introduced, the $100,000 OPT fee could become a major consideration for students planning to study in the US and work there after graduation.
The proposed change could also affect US universities and colleges if fewer international students choose the country for their education because of the potential cost of working after graduation. Moreover, this could affect the technology companies as recent graduates use OPT to work in the sector.
Is the $100,000 OPT Fee Confirmed?
The proposal is still under consideration and has not been confirmed as a final policy. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said that policies should not be considered final until they are formally announced. Furthermore, a White House official also hinted that there were no imminent announcements regarding OPT visas.
For now, international students can continue to follow developments around US student visa rules and OPT programs. Any confirmed change would need to be formally announced by the administration.