What is OPT and Why Is It So Important?
Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to work temporarily in the United States in a job directly related to their field of study. For most graduates, this means up to 12 months of valuable
work experience. Those with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) can apply for a 24-month extension, allowing them to work for a total of up to three years. For decades, OPT has been a vital bridge between earning a US degree and launching a professional career, often serving as the pathway to a longer-term H-1B work visa. It's a key reason why the US has been a top destination for global talent, particularly for students from India.
The Proposed $100,000 OPT Fee
The most dramatic proposal being considered is the introduction of a $100,000 fee for international graduates who want to use the OPT program. According to multiple reports, this idea is under discussion within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as part of a broader push to restrict legal immigration. It's crucial to note that this is still a proposal and has not been finalized or signed into law. A DHS spokesperson stated that no policies should be considered final until formally announced. However, the very discussion of such a fee, which mirrors a previously blocked charge for H-1B visas, has sent shockwaves through academic and student circles. If enacted, a six-figure cost would make OPT financially impossible for the vast majority of students.
Tighter Rules: The End of 'Duration of Status'
Beyond the fee, a more concrete change is already on the horizon. A final rule published by the DHS, effective September 15, 2026, is ending the long-standing “duration of status” (D/S) system for F-1 visa holders. Previously, students were admitted for as long as they were enrolled in their program and any authorized OPT. Under the new rule, students will be admitted for a fixed period, typically the length of their program as stated on their I-20 form, not to exceed four years. This means that students needing more time for their studies or to transition to OPT will now have to proactively apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), adding paperwork, costs, and uncertainty.
What This Means for Indian Students
The impact on Indian students could be particularly severe. Indian nationals are one of the largest groups of international students in the US and make up nearly half of all participants in the STEM OPT program. A $100,000 fee would effectively dismantle the dream of gaining US work experience for many who rely on post-graduation earnings to justify the high cost of education. The new fixed-term admission rules will also require more careful planning. Students in longer PhD programs or those who need to transition to OPT will face additional administrative hurdles. Furthermore, the grace period to remain in the US after completing a program or OPT is being reduced from 60 days to 30 days, compressing the timeline for finding a job or changing visa status.
How to Navigate the Uncertainty
While the potential $100,000 fee is still just a proposal, the changes to duration of status are confirmed. The best course of action for current and prospective students is to stay informed and be proactive. Closely monitor official announcements from DHS and USCIS. It is more important than ever to work with your university's designated school official (DSO) and international student office. They will have the most up-to-date information and can provide guidance on maintaining your status, applying for program extensions, and navigating the new Extension of Stay process required for OPT. For those who filed for OPT before March 2027, there may be transitional provisions that provide some relief from the new extension requirements. Planning ahead and keeping immaculate records will be essential in this evolving landscape.
