Trump weighs $100,000 OPT fee for foreign graduates in US

Indian students dreaming of launching their careers in the United States may soon face a steep new hurdle. Reports suggest that the Trump administration is weighing a $100,000 fee for foreign graduates who wish to work in the US after completing their studies.

The proposal, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, targets the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which currently allows international students to work for up to three years after graduation in their field of study. The Hindu and NDTV have also picked up the story, citing the potential impact on Indian students, who form one of the largest groups of international enrollees in American universities.

A costly path to the American dream

OPT has long been a stepping stone for foreign students, particularly those from India, to gain US work experience and eventually transition to H-1B visas. Under the reported plan, students would need to shell out $100,000 (roughly Rs 83 lakh) merely to participate in the programme.

That sum would dwarf the typical application and processing fees associated with US work permits today. For many Indian students who already spend lakhs on tuition and living expenses, an additional six-figure fee could prove prohibitive.

What is OPT and why does it matter?

The OPT programme allows F-1 visa holders to work in the US for up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for those in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. It is widely seen as a critical bridge between academic study and long-term employment, often serving as a precursor to the H-1B lottery.

Data from the US government shows that Indian students are among the top beneficiaries of OPT, with tens of thousands participating each year. The proposed fee, if implemented, could drastically reduce the number of Indian graduates entering the US workforce.

Industry and academic pushback

US universities and tech companies have historically lobbied against restrictions on OPT, arguing that the programme helps fill critical skill gaps and boosts the American economy. International students contribute billions of dollars annually through tuition and living expenses, and many go on to work for major American firms.

Critics of the proposed fee say it would undermine the US's competitiveness in attracting global talent. Some have also pointed out that the fee could be seen as a barrier rather than a revenue measure, potentially driving students to pursue opportunities in Canada, Australia, or the UK instead.

What about H-1B visas?

For many Indian students, the ultimate goal is an H-1B visa, which allows skilled workers to stay in the US for up to six years. However, the H-1B process is already capped and highly competitive, with far more applicants than available visas each year.

The proposed OPT fee would add another layer of financial burden for students who often spend years navigating the US immigration system. NDTV's coverage highlighted the threat this poses to Indian students' H-1B dreams, noting that many would be forced to abandon their plans altogether.

Uncertainty ahead

As of now, the White House has not officially confirmed the proposal, and details remain sketchy. It is unclear whether the fee would apply to all OPT applicants or only those in certain fields, and whether it would be a one-time payment or an annual charge.

The report has sparked concern among student groups and immigration advocates, who argue that such a fee would disproportionately affect students from developing countries like India. Some have also questioned the legality of the move, suggesting it could face court challenges if introduced.

For now, Indian students and their families are left waiting. The coming months will show whether the proposal gains traction or fades amid political and legal hurdles. What is clear is that the cost of chasing the American dream, for many, may be about to rise sharply.