Future US Graduate Workers May Face $100,000 Fee
International students hoping to work in the United States after graduation may soon face a major new cost. A proposal suggests a USD 100,000 fee for work permits. The Trump administration is considering this plan, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is thinking about charging this fee. It would apply to work permits given under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The OPT program allows foreign students to get work experience in the United States. They can work after finishing a degree at a US university.
Under the OPT program, graduates can work in jobs related to their field of study. These work permits usually last one to three years. In 2024, about 419,000 foreign nationals worked in the United States through the OPT program.
If this proposed fee becomes law, it could cause big financial problems for future international students. Those who want to build their careers in the United States after studying would find it very difficult.
The Trump administration tried before to charge a USD 100,000 fee for H-1B visas. However, a US court stopped that plan. Technology companies also spoke out against the proposed H-1B fee. These companies hire many graduates from US universities.
The plan to charge USD 100,000 for the OPT program is not final yet. A DHS spokesperson said that no policy is final until an official announcement is made. The spokesperson added that DHS often looks at ways to keep the US legal immigration system safe.
The administration is also thinking about new money requirements for other immigrants. These include green card applicants and H-1B visa holders. Officials at the US Department of State are considering asking green card applicants from outside the US to pay a USD 100,000 deposit.
Under this green card plan, the government would give the money back. This would happen after the applicant moves to the United States and becomes a US citizen.
If the USD 100,000 fee is introduced, it could also change decisions about studying in the United States. This measure would be a big change for international students. Many hope to work in the country after completing their studies.
