International students who study in the United States may soon face a major financial hurdle after graduation. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the Trump administration is considering a proposal that would require foreign graduates to pay a USD 100,000 fee for work authorization under the Optional Practical Training program. The proposal has sparked debate among universities and employers.
Trump administration considering $100,000 OPT fee
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, officials in the Trump administration are discussing a proposal that would require international graduates to pay USD 100,000 to receive post-graduation work authorization in the United States.
The proposal focuses on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows eligible international students to work in the country after completing their studies.
What is the OPT program
OPT is a program that allows international students to gain work experience in the United States after graduation.
- Proposed fee: USD 100,000
- International graduates on OPT: About 419,000
- Work authorization period: One to three years depending on the field of study
Students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields can usually remain on OPT for a longer period.
Why universities and employers are concerned
Many US companies use the OPT program to hire graduates from American universities before they move to longer-term work visas such as the H-1B.
Critics say a USD 100,000 fee could make it difficult for graduates and employers to use the program.
Technology companies and business groups argue that the move could reduce access to skilled workers. Universities are also concerned because many international students choose US colleges partly because of the opportunity to gain work experience after graduation.
Some education experts believe students could choose universities in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia if work opportunities in the US become more expensive.
Connection to H-1B visa debate
The discussion comes after legal challenges to other immigration-related fee proposals.
Earlier, officials attempted to impose a similar USD 100,000 charge on certain H-1B visa applicants. However, a federal appeals court in Boston blocked that measure after objections from technology companies and business groups.
Officials later narrowed the H-1B fee proposal to apply mainly to certain specialists entering the country from abroad.
“Why the OPT plan is different and far more personal: Unlike H-1B policies targeting prospective offshore hires, the prospective OPT regulation directly targets international scholars already living and studying inside the U.S., many of whom are already carrying significant educational debt.”
What could happen next?
No official announcement has been made yet. However, immigration lawyers and education groups are closely watching the discussions.
If the proposal moves forward, it could face legal challenges. For now, many international students and graduates are waiting to see whether the reported plan becomes official policy.
