What Was the $100,000 Proposal?
In mid-2026, reports emerged that the Trump administration was considering a proposal to charge international graduates a fee of up to $100,000 to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The OPT program is a crucial pathway that allows
international students to work in the U.S. for one to three years after graduation, depending on their field of study. For many, it's a key reason for choosing to study in America, offering a chance to gain practical experience and help offset high tuition costs. The proposal was met with immediate concern from universities and businesses, who warned it could deter global talent and harm the U.S. economy by creating skilled labor shortages.
Did This Proposal Become Law?
No, the $100,000 fee for OPT was a proposal that was being discussed within the administration and did not become law. It's important to distinguish this from a separate, but related, policy: the visa bond program. A pilot version of this program was introduced in late 2020 and later made permanent in August 2026. However, this visa bond program applies to B-1/B-2 tourist and business visas, not F-1 student visas or the OPT program. It requires some visitors from countries with high visa overstay rates to post a refundable bond of up to $20,000. India is not currently on the list of countries affected by this specific visa bond program.
Why Was This Idea Even Considered?
The rationale behind such proposals, whether for OPT fees or visa bonds, is generally rooted in an effort to curb visa overstays. From the administration's perspective, requiring a significant financial stake would create a strong incentive for individuals to comply with the terms of their visa and depart the country when their authorized stay ends. Critics of programs like OPT argue that they can be used by employers to hire foreign graduates without adequate protections for the domestic labor market. The discussions around these fees were part of a broader push to tighten immigration rules and ensure compliance.
What Are the Actual OPT Costs Today?
The reality of OPT costs is far from the rumored $100,000 figure. The primary government fee for an OPT application is the charge for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. As of mid-2026, this fee is $410. While there can be other minor costs associated with the application, such as for photos or mailing, the total is typically in the hundreds, not thousands, of dollars. For students who want to expedite their application, USCIS does offer a Premium Processing service for Form I-765. As of March 2026, this optional service costs an additional $1,780. This is a choice for faster processing, not a mandatory fee to participate in OPT.
Are Other Major Changes Happening?
Yes, a significant change to the F-1 student visa system is scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026. Previously, students were admitted for "duration of status" (D/S) meaning they could stay as long as they were enrolled and in good standing. The new rule replaces this with a fixed period of admission, generally for a maximum of four years at a time. This means students in longer programs or those who need more time will have to formally apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS. This also impacts OPT, as many students will now have to file an EOS application (Form I-539) in addition to their OPT work authorization application (Form I-765), adding a layer of complexity and potential for delays.
