Trump Considers $100,000 Work Permit Fee for Foreign Graduates Seeking Jobs in the US
The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students who wish to work in the United States after graduating from American universities. This proposed fee would apply to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which currently allows international graduates to work in the U.S. for up to three years on their student visas, depending on their field of study. Approximately 419,000 foreign graduates participated in the OPT program in 2024, according to the latest data.
The potential fee could deter international students from studying in the U.S. and impact universities that depend on tuition from these students. It may also affect technology and financial firms that recruit graduates from American institutions for skilled positions. The proposal is still under discussion at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and it is unclear whether the White House will approve it. Officials have not yet determined if the fee would be the responsibility of the students, universities, or employers.
A DHS spokesperson stated that no policy should be considered final until formally announced. The proposed fee is expected to be linked to a new requirement for international students to apply for an extension of their visas to access OPT. Previously, student visas remained valid throughout a student’s academic program and the associated work authorization period. The administration is also preparing a broader overhaul of the OPT program, with revised regulations anticipated as early as this fall.
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