U.S. Weighs $100,000 Fee on International Student OPT Work Authorization

The United States government is reviewing a proposal to charge a $100,000 fee for international graduates seeking work authorization under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The fee would apply to students who wish to work in the U.S. for up to one year after graduation, with extensions for STEM majors. The measure is still under discussion and has not been finalized.

If implemented, the fee could disproportionately affect Indian students, who now represent the largest group of international students in the U.S., and could deter enrollment and reduce the talent pipeline for technology and finance firms that rely on OPT graduates. The proposal follows a court‑blocked attempt to impose a similar $100,000 fee on H‑1B visas and coincides with a separate $100,000 bond requirement being considered for green‑card applicants.

Officials from the Department of Homeland Security say the discussions are ongoing and no final policy has been announced, but the potential cost has raised concerns among universities, employers, and immigration advocates about the impact on U.S. higher‑education revenue and the country’s ability to attract global talent.