F-1 Visa Holders Could Face $100,000 Fee to Work in the US; OPT Proposal Explained

Published: Sunday, August 2, 2026, 10:01 [IST]

International students planning to build their careers in the United States may soon face a major financial hurdle. According to recent reports, the US administration is considering a proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to work in the country after graduation through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.

Although no final decision has been announced, the proposal has sparked widespread discussion among students, universities, and employers.

F-1 Visa Holders Could Face $100,000 Fee to Work in the US

The reported move comes at a time when many international graduates are already dealing with tighter immigration policies, rising education costs, and increased uncertainty surrounding employment opportunities in the United States.

What Is the Proposed $100,000 OPT Fee?

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed policy would require eligible international students on F-1 visas to pay $100,000 if they choose to remain in the United States under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme after completing their studies.

OPT allows international students to gain work experience related to their field of study. Students can generally work for up to 12 months, while graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are eligible for an additional 24-month extension, allowing them to remain employed in the US for up to three years.

If implemented, the proposed fee would make participation in the programme significantly more expensive and could influence students' decisions to study or work in the United States.

Why OPT Is Important for International Students

The OPT programme has long served as a bridge between higher education and professional employment in the United States. Many graduates use this period to:

Gain practical work experience.
Secure employment with US companies.
Build professional skills.
Transition to an H-1B work visa through employer sponsorship.

For thousands of Indian students pursuing engineering, computer science, business, healthcare, and other professional courses, OPT represents the first step toward establishing a long-term career in the United States.

Impact on Indian Students

India remains one of the largest sources of international students in the United States. Every year, thousands of Indian graduates rely on the OPT programme to begin their careers after investing substantial amounts in tuition fees and living expenses.

Education experts believe that introducing a $100,000 fee could discourage many talented students from choosing US universities. Families may reconsider studying abroad due to the significantly higher financial burden, while graduates could explore alternative destinations such as Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, or European countries that offer more accessible post-study work opportunities.

The proposal also comes after recent changes affecting employment-based immigration, including higher visa-related costs and increased scrutiny of work visa programmes.

No Official Decision Yet

It is important to note that the reported $100,000 OPT fee remains a proposal and has not been officially approved or implemented by the US government. Authorities have not issued any formal notification confirming the introduction of such a charge.

Students currently studying in the US or planning future admissions are advised to follow updates from official US government agencies, educational institutions, and immigration authorities before making academic or career decisions.

What Students Should Do

International students should continue monitoring official announcements regarding F-1 visa and OPT policies. Those planning higher education in the United States should also consult their universities and immigration advisors to understand the latest regulations and evaluate available post-study work options.

If introduced, the proposal could significantly reshape the landscape of international education in the United States. Until an official decision is made, students should rely only on verified information and avoid reacting to unconfirmed reports.