- The US may impose a $100,000 fee on students wanting to work after graduation.
- New enrollments for Indian students fell by close to 45 percent between August 2024 and August 2025.
- In 2024-25, over 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in US universities, the highest of any country.
- Data shows Indian participation in OPT increased by 47 percent in a single year.
- 40 percent of Indian students in the US participate in the OPT program.
The proposed $100,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) work permits for international students could significantly impact Indian students, who represent a large portion of the international student body in the U.S.1
Data indicates that over 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year, the highest of any country. However, new enrollments for Indian students fell by close to 45% between August 2024 and August 2025, raising alarms about the attractiveness of U.S. education.23
The OPT program allows STEM graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years without needing a separate visa, making it a crucial pathway for many international students.
In a related context, 40 percent of Indian students in the U.S. participate in the OPT program, highlighting its importance.5
Earlier this year, the Trump administration had also imposed a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications, which further complicates the landscape for Indian professionals seeking to work in the U.S.
A federal appeals court in Boston recently blocked the enforcement of this fee, but the uncertainty remains.
As Indian students make up nearly three out of every four H-1B holders, the implications of these fees could have lasting effects on the U.S.-India educational and professional exchange.
“In 2024-25, over 3.63 lakh Indian students were enrolled in US universities, the highest of any country, with 40 percent participating in the OPT program. However, data shows Indian participation in OPT increased by 47 percent in a single year, despite new enrollments dropping significantly.”
