U.S. Weighs $100,000 Fee for International Student OPT

The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for OPT, according to reports published on July 30 and August 3, 2026. The idea could sharply limit international graduates’ ability to work after completing a U.S. degree, but it remains under discussion and has not taken effect.

A Fee Under Discussion

The proposed charge would apply to Optional Practical Training, the employment authorization that allows eligible F-1 students to gain experience directly related to their field of study. The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Homeland Security is discussing the $100,000 amount, although it is unclear whether students, employers or another party would be expected to pay.

No fee has been announced or implemented. DHS told the newspaper that policies should not be considered final before a formal announcement. The department has not published regulatory language explaining the proposal, who would be covered, possible exemptions or how the fee would be administered.

The reported amount would be far beyond ordinary immigration filing costs and could make OPT financially impractical for many recent graduates. The Wall Street Journal reported that roughly 419,000 foreign nationals were working through OPT in 2024.

How OPT Works Today

Under current rules, eligible F-1 students may generally receive up to 12 months of OPT at a given education level. Graduates with qualifying science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees may apply for a further 24-month STEM OPT extension, potentially providing three years of work authorization.

Employment must be directly related to the student’s major. STEM OPT participants also face additional requirements, including an employer training plan, minimum weekly hours and employment with an organization enrolled in E-Verify.

OPT rules remain unchanged for now. Students should continue following current USCIS and Student and Exchange Visitor Program procedures, including application deadlines, employment reporting and restrictions on unemployment.

A Broader OPT Review

The reported fee comes as DHS prepares a wider regulation titled “Practical Training.” The federal government’s 2026 Unified Agenda says the planned rule is intended to address fraud and national security concerns, protect U.S. workers and strengthen oversight by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

The official agenda lists a notice of proposed rulemaking for February 2027. That timetable is an estimate and does not disclose the rule’s specific provisions. It also does not confirm that a $100,000 fee will be included.

If formally proposed, major OPT changes could affect how international students evaluate U.S. tuition costs, employment opportunities and the transition from F-1 status to longer-term work authorization. Universities and employers that recruit international graduates would also need to reassess hiring and career-support plans.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Students should consult their designated school official or a qualified immigration attorney before making status or employment decisions.

Sources

• U.S. Weighs $100,000 Fee for Foreign Students Wanting to Work After Graduation — The Wall Street Journal (July 30, 2026)
• Practical Training, RIN 1653-AA97 — Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (July 3, 2026)
• Chapter 5 - Practical Training — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (accessed August 3, 2026)
• New Immigration Plan Considered To Stop Students From Working In U.S. — Forbes (August 3, 2026)