India Weighs In as US Plans $100K Fee for Foreign Grad Work

India's Ministry of External Affairs said Thursday that immigration policy is a sovereign matter for the United States, but New Delhi will actively raise and safeguard the interests of Indian students if Washington proceeds with a proposed $100,000 fee for the Optional Practical Training program.

The ministry's comments come amid reports that the Trump administration is considering the fee as part of a broader effort to restrict foreign worker programs. The OPT program allows international graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years after completing their degrees, and it is widely used by Indian students, particularly in STEM fields.

An MEA spokesperson, responding to a query, said India is closely monitoring the developments and will engage with U.S. authorities to ensure that the concerns of Indian students are addressed. The spokesperson did not specify what actions India might take if the fee is implemented.

The proposed fee, which would be among the highest for any U.S. visa or work permit, has drawn criticism from universities and business groups, who argue it would deter talented international students and harm American competitiveness. Indian students constitute the largest group of international students in the U.S., with over 200,000 enrolled in American universities.

The MEA's statement signals that India is prepared to push back diplomatically, even as it acknowledges the U.S.'s right to set its own immigration rules. The issue is expected to be raised in upcoming bilateral talks between the two countries.