Trump Administration Weighs $100,000 Fee for OPT

The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for post-graduation work authorization, a potential change that could sharply raise the cost of hiring international graduates through Optional Practical Training, or OPT. The idea remains under discussion, but it is already creating new uncertainty for students planning U.S. degrees and careers.

A Fee Under Consideration

The administration is weighing whether to attach the six-figure charge to OPT, according to reports published on July 30, 2026, citing people familiar with the discussions. It remains unclear whether students, employers or another party would be responsible for paying the fee.

The proposal has not been enacted, and the administration had not published an implementing rule, formal fee schedule or detailed eligibility guidance as of July 31, 2026. International students therefore remain subject to the existing OPT application process and should not assume that a new payment is currently required.

The reported plan would represent a substantial increase from USCIS's posted Form I-765 filing fees. The agency's current fee schedule lists a general online filing fee of $470 and a paper filing fee of $520, although the correct amount can depend on the applicant's filing category.

Why OPT Matters

OPT allows eligible F-1 students to receive employment authorization for training directly related to their field of study. Students can generally receive up to 12 months of OPT at each higher educational level after obtaining a recommendation from their designated school official and approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Graduates with qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension. That means eligible STEM graduates can receive up to three years of training, provided they and their employers meet the program's requirements.

This period often gives international graduates time to gain professional experience and allows employers to evaluate workers before considering longer-term immigration options. A $100,000 charge could place that route beyond the reach of many graduates, startups, universities, nonprofit organizations and smaller employers.

What Students Should Watch

Any formal change could affect decisions about tuition, degree programs, job searches and employer sponsorship. However, essential questions remain unanswered, including when a fee would begin, whether current OPT participants would be covered and whether exemptions would be available.

Students should continue following existing USCIS and Student and Exchange Visitor Program requirements. Before changing academic, employment or travel plans, they should consult their school's international student office and monitor official government announcements.

This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice.

Sources

• Trump Weighs $100,000 Fee for Foreign Students to Work Post-Grad — Bloomberg (July 30, 2026)
• U.S. Weighs $100,000 Fee for Foreign Students Wanting to Work After Graduation — The Wall Street Journal (July 30, 2026)
• Practical Training — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
• Chapter 5 — Practical Training — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (February 3, 2026)