US Proposes $100K OPT Visa Fee for International Grads

The Trump administration is weighing a plan that would charge international students $100,000 to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a work authorization that allows graduates to stay in the country for up to three years after completing their degrees.

The proposal, which is under active consideration, would apply to graduates seeking employment in the US through OPT. The fee is intended to offset the perceived costs of foreign workers taking jobs that might otherwise go to American citizens.

Critics argue that such a steep fee would make it financially impossible for many international graduates to remain, potentially driving top talent to other countries with more welcoming policies. Supporters say the fee would protect domestic workers and reduce the reliance on foreign labor.

The OPT program currently allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for STEM graduates. The proposed fee would be on top of existing visa application costs, which already run into the hundreds of dollars.

If implemented, the fee could significantly reduce the number of international graduates staying in the US, impacting universities that rely on international enrollment and tech companies that hire these graduates for specialized roles.