Washington: The administration of President Donald Trump has been said to be weighing a plan of imposing a $100,000 fee on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, an issue that could seriously impact foreign students who wish to work in the US after graduating from college.
As it is understood, the plan is being reviewed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), although there has been no decision reached as of yet.
What Is the OPT Program?
The OPT program enables international students holding an F-1 visa to be able to work in the US upon completion of their education, in professions that correspond with their field of study.
Based on what major they hold, they will be allowed to work for up to one or three years.
Why Indian Students Would be Hit Hardest by New Rules
India is one of the biggest exporters of international students to the US, especially those enrolled in STEM programmes.
A majority of Indian graduates rely on OPT to start their professional career and then migrate to other work visas. A charge of $100,000 would render post-study employment too expensive for many students, thus making a degree from the US not so attractive.
Proposal Follows Rejection of H-1B Fee
The proposal comes on the heels of a legal defeat for the Trump administration following a US court’s rejection of its previous proposal for charging a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
American technology firms had been opposed to this plan, saying that it was an expensive way to hire skilled workers.
Final Decision Not Reached
A spokesman from the Department of Homeland Security stated that negotiations are still continuing, emphasizing the fact that no policy has yet been reached.
The report has also mentioned that there is a consideration within the US government to provide a refundable bond of $100,000 for green card applicants applying from abroad. It was stated that the money will be returned back when the applicant moves to America and finally acquires citizenship status in America.
Based on the latest figures available, more than 419,000 foreign graduates had been working through the OPT program in 2024.