Washington, D.C. | July 31, 2026
The Trump administration is considering a proposal that could dramatically increase the cost of working in the United States after graduation for international students. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, officials are discussing a $100,000 fee for participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a move that could significantly impact thousands of foreign students, particularly those from India.
The proposal is still under review within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and no final decision has been announced. DHS has emphasized that discussions remain ongoing and that no policy should be considered final until it is officially released.
What Is the OPT Program?
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows eligible international students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after completing their studies in positions related to their field of education.
Depending on the academic discipline, graduates can typically work for:
- Up to 12 months under standard OPT.
- Up to 36 months for eligible STEM graduates through the STEM OPT extension.
The program serves as a key pathway for international graduates to gain professional experience before seeking longer-term employment visas such as the H-1B. According to the report, approximately 419,000 international graduates were employed through OPT in 2024.
DHS Reviewing the Proposal
According to The Wall Street Journal, the proposal is currently being evaluated by the Department of Homeland Security as part of the administration’s broader review of legal immigration policies.
Officials have not determined:
- Whether the proposed fee would apply directly to students, employers, or educational institutions.
- When such a policy could take effect, if approved.
- Whether the White House will ultimately endorse the proposal.
A DHS spokesperson said policy discussions are ongoing and no final decision has been made.
Potential Impact on Indian Students
India remains one of the largest sources of international students in the United States, with many choosing American universities because of opportunities to gain work experience through OPT before transitioning to longer-term employment.
If a $100,000 fee were introduced, education experts say it could:
- Significantly increase the cost of studying in the United States.
- Reduce the attractiveness of U.S. universities for international applicants.
- Create additional financial pressure on students and their families.
- Make it more difficult for employers to recruit international graduates for technical and specialized roles.
The proposal is expected to be closely watched in India, where a large number of students pursue higher education in the U.S. each year.
Similar H-1B Proposal Previously Faced Legal Challenge
The report notes that the administration had previously pursued a $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa applications.
That proposal was later blocked by a U.S. appeals court, prompting officials to explore alternative policy options involving the OPT program.
Green Card Bond Also Under Consideration
Separately, The Wall Street Journal reported that the administration is considering requiring some applicants seeking U.S. permanent residency from overseas to post a refundable bond of up to $100,000.
According to the report, the proposed bond would be returned after qualifying applicants obtain U.S. citizenship, although the idea also remains under discussion and has not been finalized.
Universities and Employers Could Also Feel the Impact
Higher education experts and industry observers have warned that a substantial OPT fee could have broader implications beyond international students.
American universities rely heavily on international enrollment, while sectors such as technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare recruit many graduates through the OPT program before they transition to long-term work visas.
Critics argue that significantly increasing the cost of OPT could reduce the competitiveness of U.S. universities and limit employers’ access to highly skilled global talent.
No Final Decision Yet
At this stage, the proposed $100,000 OPT fee remains under consideration and has not been adopted as official U.S. government policy.
Students planning to study in the United States are advised to follow updates from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and their universities for any official announcements regarding changes to immigration or work authorization policies.
Key Highlights
- The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for the OPT work authorization program.
- The proposal is under review by the Department of Homeland Security and has not been finalized.
- Around 419,000 international graduates were working under OPT in 2024.
- Indian students could be among those most affected if the proposal is implemented.
- A separate proposal for a $100,000 Green Card bond is also under consideration.
Official Sources
- The Wall Street Journal – Report on proposed $100,000 OPT fee.
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statements on ongoing policy discussions.
- The Wall Street Journal – Report on proposed Green Card bond.
