Decoding the OPT Program
First, let's clarify what Optional Practical Training (OPT) is. For international students in the US holding an F-1 visa, OPT is a crucial program that allows them to work for up to 12 months in a job directly related to their field of study after graduation.
For those in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, this period can be extended by an additional 24 months, making it a 36-month opportunity. This program is often seen as a vital bridge between completing an American degree and potentially securing a long-term H-1B work visa. It allows graduates to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting, earn an income to help offset the high cost of US education, and gain invaluable experience in the American workforce. For many, the availability of OPT is a primary factor in choosing the US for higher education over other countries.
The $100,000 Proposal Explained
In late July 2026, reports emerged that the Trump administration was considering a dramatic policy shift: imposing a $100,000 fee on international graduates seeking to use the OPT program. First reported by The Wall Street Journal, the idea was said to be under internal discussion within the Department of Homeland Security. This was not a formal proposed rule or an implemented policy, but the concept alone sent shockwaves through academic and immigration circles. Details were scarce, and it was unclear whether the student, their university, or their employer would be responsible for paying the hefty fee. The proposal was seen as part of a broader push to restrict legal immigration and was floated after a court had struck down a similar attempt to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas.
Why This Alarmed Indian Students
The potential impact on Indian students would be immense. Indians represent the largest contingent of international students in the US, with around 360,000 enrolled in the 2024-25 academic year. A significant portion of these students—over 43% in Computer Science and 23% in Engineering—are in STEM fields, making them eligible for the longer 36-month OPT period. A $100,000 fee would make this pathway prohibitively expensive for most, effectively dismantling a key incentive for studying in the US. Experts warned that such a policy would make American universities far less competitive compared to institutions in Canada, the UK, and Australia, which all offer more straightforward post-study work opportunities. For many Indian families, the ability for a student to work after graduation is a critical part of the financial calculation for affording a US education.
The Bigger Picture and Current Status
While the headline-grabbing figure was $100,000, the significance lies in the underlying political current. The proposal reflects a viewpoint that aims to deter international graduates from staying and working in the US after their studies. However, it faced strong opposition from universities, which rely on international tuition fees, and major tech and finance companies, which see OPT as a vital talent pipeline. Economists and policy experts argued that such a move would be counterproductive, driving highly skilled graduates to other countries and harming US innovation and economic growth. As of now, the $100,000 OPT fee is not an active policy; it remains an idea that was discussed internally. While this specific proposal may not move forward, it highlights the volatile and uncertain nature of US immigration policies that directly affect the plans and futures of thousands of aspiring Indian students.
