The U.S. government is considering a $100,000 [1] fee for international graduates who wish to work in the country after completing their studies.
This proposal targets the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to gain professional experience in their field of study. If implemented, the fee could create a significant financial barrier for thousands of students seeking to enter the American labor market.
The Trump administration is weighing the measure to tighten oversight of the OPT program [1], officials said. Officials aim to address concerns regarding the impact of international graduates on the domestic labor market and overall immigration levels [1].
Under current rules, the OPT program provides a pathway for students to remain in the U.S. for a set period after graduation. The proposed fee of $100,000 [1] would fundamentally change the accessibility of this pathway for students from various economic backgrounds.
No final decision has been announced regarding the adoption of this fee [1]. The proposal remains under consideration as the administration evaluates how to balance the need for skilled labor with immigration control objectives.
The potential cost increase represents a sharp departure from previous administrative fees associated with student visas and work authorizations. The administration has not yet released a formal timeline for when such a policy would take effect if approved.
“The U.S. government is considering a $100,000 fee for international graduates”
This proposal signals a shift toward using financial deterrents to manage legal immigration pathways. By targeting the OPT program, the administration may reduce the attractiveness of U.S. higher education for international students who rely on post-graduation work opportunities to recoup their tuition investments.
