First, What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a critical program for international students in the US on an F-1 visa. It is not a separate visa but a work authorization that allows graduates to gain up to 12 months of temporary employment directly related to their
field of study. For students in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, this period can be extended by an additional 24 months, offering a total of 36 months of work experience. This program is often seen as a vital bridge between a US education and a professional career, helping students apply their academic knowledge and potentially transition to other long-term work visas like the H-1B. For thousands of Indian students, OPT is a primary factor in choosing to study in the US, helping to justify the significant financial investment.
Decoding the $100,000 Proposal
In late July and early August 2026, reports emerged that the US administration was considering a proposal to attach a $100,000 fee to the OPT program. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, this idea is being discussed internally at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is crucial to understand that this is not an official policy, a proposed rule, or an implemented fee. It is an idea under consideration. Reports suggest it is unclear who would be responsible for paying this hefty fee—the student, the university, or the employer. The proposal is seen by some as an alternative way to achieve goals similar to a previously blocked plan to impose a $100,000 fee on certain H-1B visa applications.
Impact on Indian Students
If implemented, a fee of this magnitude would fundamentally alter the financial viability of a US education for many Indian families. Tuition and living costs at some US universities can already exceed $100,000 annually. The ability to earn a US salary and gain work experience through OPT is a key part of the return on that investment. A $100,000 fee would make the US significantly less attractive compared to other popular destinations like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which also offer post-study work opportunities. Given that Indian students are the largest group of international students in the US, such a policy would have a disproportionate impact on them. It would create an insurmountable barrier for many middle-class families, reserving post-study work for only the wealthiest applicants.
The Employer's Perspective
US employers, from small startups to large tech corporations, rely on the OPT program to access a pipeline of global talent educated in American universities. These graduates, particularly from STEM fields, fill crucial roles and contribute to innovation. A $100,000 fee would be a massive deterrent. Small and medium-sized enterprises would likely be unable to afford such a cost, limiting their ability to hire the best candidates. Even for large companies, it would represent a significant increase in hiring costs. Critics of the proposal argue that it would ultimately harm US competitiveness by driving highly skilled graduates to other countries and making it harder for American companies to find the talent they need.
Is This Proposal Likely to Pass?
At present, the proposal faces significant hurdles. Immigration law experts have questioned its legality, suggesting it may not survive legal challenges, much like the similar H-1B fee proposal that was struck down in court. They argue that imposing such a significant fee may require authorization from Congress and could be viewed as an unconstitutional tax. As of early August 2026, the $100,000 OPT fee has not been published as a proposed rule, meaning it is not in the formal regulatory pipeline. While the discussions signal a broader scrutiny of student visa and work programs, experts advise against panic, framing the reports as political posturing rather than an imminent policy change.
