The U.S. government is considering a $100,000 fee [1] for foreign students seeking post-graduation employment under the Optional Practical Training program.
This proposal could create a significant financial barrier for international graduates, particularly those in engineering and technology fields who rely on these permits to enter the American workforce.
The Optional Practical Training, or OPT, program currently allows international students to work in the U.S. for a period between one and three years [3] after completing their degrees. The proposed fee aims to regulate the post-graduation employment of international graduates by targeting this specific pathway [2].
Reports indicate that the move would have a substantial impact on students from India. Approximately 360,000 [3] Indian students are likely to be affected by the potential implementation of this fee.
The OPT program has traditionally served as a critical bridge for foreign nationals to gain professional experience before applying for long-term work visas. A fee of $100,000 [1] would represent a drastic increase in the cost of remaining in the country after university.
Government officials have not yet finalized the policy, but the proposal suggests a shift toward more stringent financial requirements for foreign workers. This change would specifically target those utilizing the OPT framework to transition from student status to professional employment [2].
“The U.S. government is considering a $100,000 fee for foreign students seeking post-graduation employment.”
If implemented, this fee would fundamentally alter the economic viability of studying in the U.S. for international students. By placing a high financial cost on the OPT program, the U.S. may reduce the number of foreign graduates entering the domestic labor market, potentially impacting the talent pipeline for the technology and engineering sectors while increasing the competitiveness of other global education hubs.
