Trump admin mulls $100,000 OPT fee for foreign students

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on international students who wish to remain in the United States and work after graduation, according to reports. The fee would apply to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows graduates on F-1 visas to work in their field of study for one to three years. The proposal remains under internal discussion within the Department of Homeland Security and has not been finalized.

Officials familiar with the matter said the plan is part of a broader administration effort to tighten legal immigration rules and increase oversight. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that no policies should be considered final until formally announced, adding that the department is constantly evaluating tools to protect the integrity of the immigration system. A White House official said there were no imminent policy announcements regarding OPT.

If implemented, the fee would represent a significant new financial barrier for foreign graduates seeking U.S. work experience. The OPT program is a critical bridge for many international students, allowing them to gain professional experience, recoup...