The Trump administration is evaluating a proposal to charge international students a $100,000 fee [1] to work in the U.S. after graduation.

This potential policy targets the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to gain professional experience in their field of study. If implemented, the fee would create a significant financial barrier for graduates seeking to transition from student visas to professional employment, potentially altering the pipeline of global talent entering the American workforce.

Reports indicate the administration is considering the fee to generate revenue and limit the number of foreign-trained workers entering the U.S. labor market [2]. The proposal has triggered global concern, particularly among students from India who frequently utilize the OPT program as a stepping stone toward H-1B visas [2].

However, the status of this proposal remains unclear. While some reports describe the fee as being under evaluation, other records indicate a separate $100,000 fee previously imposed on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers was blocked by a federal judge [3].

The distinction between these two measures is critical. The H-1B fee was a formal rule that faced judicial intervention, whereas the OPT fee is currently described as a proposal being considered by the administration [1], [3].

International students currently rely on OPT to secure job offers and gain the necessary experience to compete for limited employment visas. A six-figure fee would likely make the program inaccessible for the vast majority of graduates, regardless of their skill level, or the demand for their expertise in the U.S. economy [2].

“The Trump administration is evaluating a proposal to charge international students a $100,000 fee to work in the U.S. after graduation.”

The proposal reflects a broader strategy to prioritize domestic labor and increase government revenue through immigration channels. By targeting the OPT program, the administration would effectively price out many international graduates, potentially reducing the competitiveness of U.S. tech and science sectors that rely heavily on foreign-educated talent.