The US is considering a $100,000 OPT fee for international graduates, though no formal policy has been issued. The proposal comes as a separate DHS rule ending duration of status for many F, J and I visa holders takes effect on September 15, 2026, nationwide.
The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee connected to Optional Practical Training, according to a Wall Street Journal report published Thursday, July 30, 2026. The report said the charge could apply to international graduates seeking post-study employment in the United States.
No formal proposal has been published, and the Department of Homeland Security has not said whether students or employers would pay. A department spokesperson told the Journal that policies should not be considered final until formally announced. Current OPT rules therefore remain unchanged.
What OPT offers international graduates
Optional Practical Training allows eligible F-1 students to work in positions directly related to their field of study, generally for up to 12 months. Graduates with qualifying science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees may seek a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Open Doors reported that 294,253 international students participated in OPT during the 2024-25 academic year, an increase of 21% from the previous year.
Potential impact on students and employers
A six-figure fee could sharply increase the cost of hiring international graduates or place a major financial burden on students, depending on how any policy is structured.
The proposal could affect universities and employers that rely on international talent, particularly in technology, finance and research. India remained the largest source of international students in the United States, with 363,019 students enrolled during the 2024-25 academic year.
Separate fixed-stay rule starts September 15
Separately, DHS finalized a rule replacing “duration of status” admission for many F, J and I visa holders with fixed admission periods. The rule takes effect on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Students who need additional time to complete an academic program or authorized practical training may have to apply for an extension of stay.
What students should know
The reported $100,000 OPT fee has not taken effect. International students should rely on formal DHS, USCIS and university guidance before making financial, travel or employment decisions.
Any future fee would require official publication and implementation details explaining who must pay, which applications would be covered and when the requirement would begin.
