The Golden Ticket: What is OPT?
For thousands of Indian students pursuing higher education in the United States, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a critical lifeline. It’s a program that allows F-1 visa students to work for up to 12 months in a job directly related to their field
of study. For those in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), this period can be extended by another 24 months. More than just a job, OPT is the primary bridge between being a student and becoming a working professional in the US. It provides invaluable hands-on experience, a chance to earn back some of the high investment in American tuition, and a potential pathway to longer-term work visas like the H-1B. Given that Indian students represent a massive portion of OPT participants, any changes to the program have significant ripple effects back home.
The $100,000 Question
Recent reports, originating from sources like The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post, revealed that the Trump administration is considering a proposal to attach a $100,000 fee to the OPT program. It's crucial to understand that as of early August 2026, this is not law or even a formal, announced policy. It remains a proposal under discussion within the Department of Homeland Security. However, the very idea has caused significant alarm. This proposal follows a similar, but ultimately unsuccessful, attempt by the administration to levy a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas, which was struck down by a federal court. The discussion around such a drastic fee for OPT is seen by many as part of a broader strategy to increase financial barriers to legal immigration and employment in the US.
What OPT Actually Costs Today
Away from the speculative six-figure sum, the current cost of applying for OPT is far more modest, though not insignificant. The main government fee is for Form I-765, the Application for Employment Authorization. As of 2026, this fee is around $470 for an online application or $520 for a paper filing. However, this is just the baseline. Students often face additional procedural costs for things like passport photos, mailing the application securely, and university-specific administrative fees, which can add another $50 to $150. For those who want to speed up the process, an optional premium processing service is available. As of March 2026, this service for an I-765 application costs $1,780, guaranteeing a response within 30 days instead of the standard several months. While a far cry from $100,000, these costs add up for students already managing high living expenses.
The Real Impact on Indian Students
Should a fee of $100,000 ever be implemented, it would effectively end the American dream for a vast majority of Indian students. Many families stretch their finances, often taking substantial loans, to afford US tuition. The ability to earn and gain experience through OPT is a key part of that financial calculation. A prohibitive fee would make that return on investment impossible, forcing graduates to leave the US immediately after their studies. This would not only affect students but also US universities, which rely on international student tuition, and major tech and finance companies that recruit from this talent pool. Even the discussion of such a policy creates uncertainty, prompting prospective students to more seriously consider other countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia, which also offer post-study work opportunities.
