The $100,000 Question
In early August 2026, reports emerged that the US government is considering a staggering $100,000 fee for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program is a critical pathway for international students, particularly from India, allowing them
to work for up to three years in the US after graduation. The proposal, reportedly under discussion within the Department of Homeland Security, aims to deter international graduates from working in the US post-study. It is unclear who would be responsible for paying this fee—the student, the employer, or another party—but the amount alone threatens to make post-study work financially impossible for most.
Is This Proposal Final?
It is crucial to understand that the $100,000 fee is not yet an official policy. It has not been published as a formal proposed rule, and sources suggest it is still being debated internally. Immigration experts and legal analysts have expressed significant doubts about whether such a policy could survive legal challenges. They point to a similar attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, which was struck down by a federal judge as an unconstitutional tax. While the proposal indicates a significant shift in immigration thinking, it is far from a certainty and should be seen as a sign of potential future direction rather than an immediate reality.
The Real Fee Hikes to Budget For
While the $100,000 proposal grabs headlines, other definite fee increases are on the horizon. Starting in 2026, a new non-refundable $250 “Visa Integrity Fee” will be applied to most non-immigrant visa applications, including F-1 student visas. Separately, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is increasing the fee for premium processing of Form I-765, the application for employment authorization used for OPT. Effective March 1, 2026, that optional service will cost $1,780, up from $1,685. Though minor compared to the rumored fee, these costs add up, making advanced financial planning more important than ever.
More Than Fees: New Hurdles in the Process
Beyond direct costs, the entire process of transitioning from student to worker is becoming more complex. A major change effective September 15, 2026, is the elimination of “Duration of Status” (D/S) for F-1 students. Previously, students were admitted for the duration of their academic program. Under the new rule, they will be given a fixed departure date. This means that to stay for post-completion OPT, students must now formally file an Extension of Stay (Form I-539) application with USCIS, a step that was not previously required. This adds another layer of paperwork, potential delays, and filing costs to the process.
What This Means for Students and Employers
The combination of fee hikes and procedural changes creates a climate of uncertainty and financial pressure. For Indian students, who represent the largest group of international students in the US, the dream of gaining valuable work experience after an expensive American education is facing new obstacles. The increased costs and administrative burdens may deter future students from choosing the US, potentially diverting top talent to more welcoming countries like Canada or the UK. Employers, especially in the tech and STEM fields that rely heavily on OPT graduates, will also need to reassess their hiring strategies and budgets.
