- The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international graduates using OPT to work in the US.
- According to The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration is planning to impose a hefty $100,000 fee on foreign students who want to work in the country after completing their studies.
- If approved, the fee would become one of the biggest financial barriers ever proposed for international graduates seeking jobs in the US.
- A $100,000 fee could make employers think twice before hiring international graduates.
- Around 419,000 international graduates were working under the OPT programme in 2024.
- A White House official stated there was no imminent policy change, but did not deny the proposal was under consideration.
- The Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension is a core aspect of the international student pipeline in the US that allows student visa holders to extend their stays to gain relevant work experience.
- Administration officials have targeted OPT in particular, saying it enables visa fraud and overstays.
- There were almost 300,000 international students on OPT as of last fall, according to the Institute of International Education.
The Trump administration's proposed $100,000 fee for international graduates seeking to work in the U.S. could significantly hinder their employment opportunities.124
If implemented, this fee would be one of the largest financial barriers ever introduced for foreign students, potentially discouraging employers from hiring them.3
Administration officials argue that the measure aims to enhance immigration oversight and national security, claiming that the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program facilitates visa fraud and overstays.7
Currently, around 419,000 international graduates are working under OPT, which allows them to gain relevant work experience post-graduation.5
A White House official stated that while there is no imminent policy change, the proposal is under consideration.6
If the fee is enacted, it could render the OPT extension unaffordable for many students, impacting the international student pipeline in the U.S.
As of last fall, nearly 300,000 international students were on OPT, representing about a quarter of the foreign student population in the country.9
This potential policy shift raises concerns about the future of international education and employment in the U.S., as many students already face challenges due to recent immigration crackdowns.
“If implemented, the $100,000 fee would significantly limit access to the Optional Practical Training program, which currently supports around 419,000 international graduates. The administration claims the measures aim to enhance immigration oversight and national security, despite concerns over their impact on the job market for foreign students.”
South China Morning Post
