Key Highlights
The Trump administration is weighing a proposal that could change the value of a US degree for thousands of international students. The possible $100,000 fee for post-graduation work under OPT has already triggered concern across campuses and employers. Indian students could feel the biggest impact, since they make up the largest share of the international student pool in the US. The plan is not final yet, but it comes on top of fresh visa tightening measures already announced in July 2026.
What the Proposal Says?
The Trump weighs $100,000 fee for foreign students to work post-grad proposal would reportedly apply to Optional Practical Training, better known as OPT. OPT lets eligible F-1 students work in their field after graduation, and USCIS says that work must be directly related to the student’s major.
The fee is still under discussion, and officials have not said who would pay it. The Wall Street Journal report and follow-up coverage noted that the White House had not confirmed a final policy, while a White House official said there was no imminent policy change.
Why OPT Matters?
OPT is one of the biggest reasons many students choose the US. Under current rules, post-completion OPT can last up to 12 months, while STEM graduates may qualify for a 24-month extension if they meet the rules. That makes the US one of the few major study destinations where students can move from class to work in the same country.
This is also why the proposal matters for the broader student pipeline. If the cost becomes too high, students may shift to countries that offer clearer post-study work options, such as Canada, Australia and the UK.
|
OPT Item |
Current Rule |
|
Post-completion OPT |
Up to 12 months |
|
STEM extension |
Extra 24 months for eligible graduates |
|
Work requirement |
Must be related to major field of study |
|
Approval |
School official recommendation and USCIS approval |
How the Timing Adds Pressure?
The timing is important because this fee talk follows a broader set of immigration changes in July 2026. On July 16, 2026, DHS announced a final rule ending “duration of status” for many foreign students and exchange visitors, replacing it with fixed admission periods of up to four years. A follow-up report said students who need more time will need to apply for extensions and pay a fee.
That means students are already facing tighter rules on stay length, school transfers, grace periods and extensions. The new fee discussion now adds another layer of uncertainty for anyone planning to study, graduate and work in the US.
Who Could Be Hit Hardest?
Indian students are likely to feel the sharpest effect. India was the leading source of international students in the US in 2024-25, and one report said around 3,60,000 Indian students were in the country. Another report noted that roughly 419,000 foreign graduates were working under OPT in 2024.
STEM students could be hit especially hard, because OPT is often the bridge from campus to the tech job market. According to recent coverage, a large share of Indian students in the US are in computer science and engineering, both of which often depend on OPT before moving to employer sponsorship.
Wider Market Impact
The proposal could also affect the US as a study destination. Coverage from multiple outlets said universities rely on international students for tuition revenue, while major tech and finance firms depend on graduates from American campuses for skilled roles. If the fee lands, students may compare the US more sharply with other countries that keep post-study work pathways open.
There is also a policy pattern here. Trump’s team has already pushed hard on immigration costs, including an earlier H-1B fee move that drew legal and business pushback. The OPT fee discussion fits that wider effort to make legal immigration more expensive and narrower.
What Students Should Watch Next?
If you are planning to study in the US, keep an eye on three things:
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Whether DHS or the White House formally announces the fee.
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Who would pay it: student, university or employer.
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Whether the proposal is tied to new OPT rules or extension requirements.
Conclusion
Trump weighs $100,000 fee for foreign students to work post-grad is the latest sign that the US may be getting tougher on international student work rights. If the proposal moves ahead, it could make OPT much harder to afford and weaken one of the biggest reasons students choose America. For official updates on F-1 student rules and OPT, check the USCIS Students and Employment page. To know more about US student work visas, visit TerraTern now!
