What's happening with US Student Work Fee right now

The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students' work permits under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

The proposed fee would apply to the OPT program, which allows international graduates to work in the US on student visas for up to three years.

Around 419,000 foreign graduates were working under OPT in 2024, and the measure could reduce the appeal of studying in the US.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is discussing the fee, but it is unclear if it will be paid by students, universities, or employers.

The administration is also preparing broader OPT regulations, expected this fall, following a similar $100,000 H-1B visa fee that was blocked by a federal appeals court.

The Trump administration is considering a $100,000 fee for international students who want to work in the US after graduating, linked to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

Around 419,000 international graduates were employed through OPT in 2024, according to government data cited by The Wall Street Journal.

The proposed fee could make the US less attractive for international students and impact universities that rely on tuition revenue, as well as employers in sectors like technology and finance that hire through OPT.

The OPT fee proposal follows a legal setback for a separate $100,000 fee on certain H-1B applicants, which was blocked by a federal appeals court in Boston.

The proposal has not been formally announced and has sparked criticism online, with some calling it a 'stupid idea.'