What Is This $100,000 Proposal?
Recent reports have surfaced about a potential new rule being considered by the US administration that would dramatically alter the landscape for international graduates. The proposal involves charging a fee, reportedly as high as $100,000, for students
to access the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. It is crucial to understand that this is currently an idea under internal discussion within the Department of Homeland Security and not an official policy or law. According to reports from late July and early August 2026, while the idea is being considered, a White House official stated that no policy change is imminent. The proposal appears to be part of a broader strategy to increase financial barriers within the legal immigration system.
Understanding OPT's Critical Role
Optional Practical Training is a key program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation in a job directly related to their field of study. For those with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), this period can be extended by an additional 24 months. For countless Indian students, OPT is not just a benefit; it is a primary factor in choosing to study in the US. It offers a crucial opportunity to gain practical experience, earn back some of the high costs of American education, and serve as a potential bridge to longer-term work visas like the H-1B. Making OPT financially prohibitive would fundamentally change the value proposition of a US degree for many.
The Real Change Already Happening
While the $100,000 fee remains a proposal, a separate and significant rule change is set to take effect on September 15, 2026. The US is eliminating the long-standing “duration of status” policy for F-1 students. Previously, students were admitted for the entire duration it took to complete their academic program. Under the new rule, students will be admitted for a fixed period, generally the length of their program not to exceed four years. If they need more time—for program extensions, to start a new degree, or to participate in post-completion OPT—they must now formally apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) directly with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This adds a layer of bureaucracy and uncertainty that did not exist before. Additionally, the post-graduation grace period to depart the US is being cut from 60 days to 30 days.
Potential Impact on Students and Universities
Should the $100,000 fee ever be implemented, experts predict severe consequences. Such a high cost would make OPT inaccessible for the vast majority of graduates, who would be unable to afford it. This could lead to a sharp decline in international student enrolment, as countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia offer more straightforward and affordable post-study work pathways. US universities, which rely heavily on tuition revenue from international students, would face significant financial strain. Furthermore, American companies, especially in the tech and engineering sectors, have voiced concerns about losing access to a vital pipeline of skilled talent that fuels innovation and fills critical labor shortages.
The Rationale Behind the Changes
The administration's justification for these restrictive measures centres on national security and preventing immigration fraud. Officials have stated that the previous “duration of status” system was a loophole that allowed some individuals to remain in the country indefinitely by perpetually enrolling in courses. By implementing fixed admission periods and more stringent oversight, the government aims to have greater control over who remains in the country. The proposed fees are seen as a deterrent, part of a wider effort to reshape the immigration system to prioritize what the administration views as the national interest. Critics, however, argue these policies are counterproductive and will ultimately harm US competitiveness.
