Trump admin may impose $100,000 fee on foreign students seeking US jobs; report sparks outrage, 'stupid idea'

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.'