The Truth About the $100,000 Fee
Recent headlines about a potential $100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) are rooted in a proposal being considered by the Trump administration. According to reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is discussing the idea, but it is crucial
to understand that this is not an official policy. As of August 2026, no rule has been implemented, and no such fee is required. The proposal is part of a broader review of legal immigration pathways and follows similar, legally contested ideas, such as a high fee for H-1B visas. Immigration experts have noted that even floating the idea creates uncertainty for prospective students and universities, but it remains a proposal, not a reality.
What Is OPT and Why Does It Matter?
Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a long-standing program that allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation. The work must be directly related to their major area of study. For graduates with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the program offers a 24-month extension, allowing for a total of 36 months of post-study work experience. For tens of thousands of Indian students, OPT is a critical bridge between their US education and a professional career. It provides invaluable hands-on experience in one of the world's most dynamic economies and is often the first step toward securing an H-1B work visa for long-term employment.
The Actual Cost of OPT Today
In stark contrast to the proposed six-figure sum, the current, real cost to apply for OPT is far lower. The mandatory government filing fee for Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization, is in the hundreds of dollars. As of 2026, the fee is approximately $520, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. While there can be additional minor costs for photos or mailing, the total is nowhere near the reported proposal. For students needing faster processing, USCIS offers a premium processing option for an additional fee of around $1,780, which guarantees a decision within 30 days. However, this is an optional service, not a mandatory fee for the right to work.
The Wider Political Context
The $100,000 fee proposal does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects an ongoing, and often contentious, debate in the US over high-skilled immigration. Some political figures, including Vivek Ramaswamy, have called for overhauling visa programs like the H-1B, arguing they should be more meritocratic and serve American interests. The OPT program is often seen as a direct pipeline to the H-1B visa, which is subject to an annual lottery. While some politicians view these programs as a source of foreign competition, many economists, educators, and business leaders argue that international graduates are a vital source of talent and innovation. They warn that making OPT inaccessible would drive top students to other countries like Canada or the UK and harm America's economic competitiveness.
What This Means for Indian Students
Indian students are at the heart of this discussion, representing the largest group of international students in the US and a significant portion of OPT participants. The discussion around fees and rule changes, such as the recent elimination of 'duration of status' admission in favor of a fixed four-year period, adds a layer of complexity to planning a US education. However, the appeal of a US degree combined with practical work experience remains strong. Experts advise students to focus on official information from USCIS and their university's international student office rather than being swayed by alarming headlines. While the political landscape can shift, the core structure of the OPT program remains in place as a pathway to gain valuable work experience.
