White House Clears OPT Fee Proposal for Publication
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposal to impose a new fee on the Optional Practical Training program has cleared White House review, with a
The White House has cleared a proposal from the Department of Homeland Security to impose a new fee on the Optional Practical Training program for international graduates in the United States. The rule's details are not yet public, but it follows reports the administration is considering a charge of $100,000 for the post-graduation work stream.
OPT allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the U.S. For 12 months after finishing their studies. Students in STEM fields can extend their OPT authorization for an additional two years. The program is a central pillar of America's appeal as a study destination, and its growing popularity has driven rising international student numbers in recent years.
Surging Participation and Scrutiny
According to the latest IIE Open Doors data, participation in OPT grew by 21% in the 2024/25 period. This increase was largely driven by Indian students, who accounted for just under half of all participants at 49%.
The program now faces intense political scrutiny. Critics, including figures from the Trump administration, argue it takes jobs from American workers and is vulnerable to widespread visa abuse. The director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement recently called OPT a "magnet for fraud."
Potential Impact of a $100,000 Fee
If enacted, a $100,000 fee would likely prevent thousands of international students from using OPT. This could severely damage the attractiveness of U.S. Higher education. A recent NAFSA survey found over half of current postgraduate students said they would not have enrolled at a U.S. College if OPT had been eliminated.
It remains unclear who would be required to pay the proposed charge-the international students, their universities, or their prospective employers. The fee proposal is part of a broader expected overhaul of the OPT program, with new regulations anticipated in the coming months.
Broader Immigration Context
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson framed the changes as part of a systemic reform. Speaking to The PIE News, the spokesperson said the immigration system was "being reformed to serve American citizens, American workers and American families and to preserve our national identity."
The OPT fee news arrives alongside other threats to the education-to-work pipeline for international students. These include tightened internship opportunities and a separate proposed fee of $103,265 for all H-1B visas, after a previous $100,000 proposal was blocked in court.
