Trump Administration Weighs $100,000 Fee for Foreign Graduates Seeking U.S. Work Experience

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on foreign students who wish to work in the United States after completing their studies, a move that could significantly affect international students, American universities, and major technology companies.

According to The Wall Street Journal, which cited people familiar with the matter on Thursday, the proposed fee would be tied to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

The OPT program allows international students graduating from U.S. universities to work in the country on their student visas for one to three years, depending on their field of study.

Potential Impact on Universities and Employers

If implemented, the proposal could make the United States a less attractive destination for international students, many of whom choose American universities partly because of the opportunity to gain post-graduation work experience.

The measure could also affect employers—particularly technology firms in Silicon Valley and financial institutions on Wall Street—that regularly recruit international graduates for skilled positions.

According to the latest available figures, about 419,000 foreign nationals were employed in the United States under the OPT program in 2024.

Proposal Still Under Review

The report said the proposed OPT fee remains under discussion within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

No final decision has been made on whether the White House will approve the proposal or whether the fee would be paid by international students themselves or by their prospective employers.

Earlier H-1B Fee Proposal

The Trump administration previously announced plans in September last year to impose a $100,000 annual fee on applications for H-1B visas, which are widely used by highly skilled foreign workers.

However, a U.S. appeals court last week temporarily blocked that policy from taking effect pending further legal proceedings.