U.S. officials are reportedly considering a new $100,000 fee for international students seeking post-study work. This proposal, if enacted, could significantly impact graduates, particularly those using the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Reports indicate the Trump administration is evaluating this fee for all international students pursuing work in the U.S. after graduation.
In 2024, over 1 million international students enrolled in U.S. institutions. More than 400,000 of these students found employment through the OPT program. OPT allows graduates to work in the U.S. for up to one year. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) graduates can receive an additional two-year extension.
Potential Impact on Indian Students
Indian students could face the most significant repercussions from this proposed fee. The $100,000 charge is expected to affect STEM graduates and companies that frequently hire international talent. These sectors include technology, engineering, and innovation. Employers rely on OPT to recruit skilled foreign graduates.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, approximately 363,000 Indian students secured jobs via the OPT program. This figure is the highest among all nationalities, exceeding those from China. For many Indian families, an additional fee of $100,000 would be financially unfeasible. This is especially true after already investing heavily in overseas higher education.
The OPT program has historically allowed Indian graduates to gain U.S. work experience. It also enabled them to earn enough to repay education loans. This made the U.S. a popular study destination. The proposed fee could alter the attractiveness of the U.S. for international students.
Broader Fee Proposals
This potential fee follows another proposed charge by the Trump administration. Earlier this year, a $100,000 fee was suggested for H-1B visas. H-1B visas permit U.S. companies to hire foreign professionals in specialized fields. Nearly 75% of H-1B visa holders are Indian nationals.
Major technology companies opposed that proposal. A federal appeals court in Boston blocked the H-1B fee last week. The outcome of the current post-study work fee proposal remains uncertain.
Declining Indian Enrollment
The consideration of this new fee comes as Indian student enrollment in the U.S. has already decreased. U.S. government arrival data shows new enrollments from India fell by nearly 45% between August 2024 and August 2025. This decline is attributed to visa interview delays and stricter immigration scrutiny.
According to the Open Doors survey, 96% of U.S. institutions reported visa-related concerns. These concerns were cited as the main reason for lower international student enrollment this year.
