Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Trump's $100,000 OPT Fee Proposal Threatens Indian Students
The U.S. government is thinking about charging a huge $100,000 fee for people who finish school in America and want to work there for a short time.
This program, called OPT, lets students work for up to three years after graduation.
Many students from India use it because they study science and technology.
If the fee is added, it could make it very expensive for them to stay and work in the U.S. The plan is not yet official, so it might change.
Universities and tech companies that hire these students could also feel the effects.
Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for graduates using OPT.
OPT allows F‑1 students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months (36 months for STEM).
The fee would target thousands of Indian students, the largest source of international students.
The proposal is still under discussion; no official rule has been issued yet.
Universities, tech and finance firms that hire OPT graduates could feel the ripple effect.
- Who
- Trump administration and Department of Homeland Security
- What
- Proposed a $100,000 fee for graduates using OPT
- When
- Under discussion as of 2026
- Where
- United States
- Why
- To tighten legal immigration and protect the integrity of the system
- Proposed fee
- $100,000
- Program
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Affected group
- Indian international students
- Status
- Under discussion, not in effect
- Potential impact
- Could reduce U.S. enrollment and affect tech firms
