US Proposes $100K OPT Fee: Massive Blow to Indian Graduates

The United States government proposes a steep $100,000 fee for the Optional Practical Training program, threatening career pathways for international students. Indian nationals represent nearly 49 percent of all participants in the OPT program, making them the most vulnerable demographic to this potential financial barrier.

The proposed levy arrives as part of broader immigration reforms aimed at restructuring post-graduation work opportunities for foreign nationals. For decades, the OPT program served as a vital bridge between American university degrees and the H-1B specialty occupation visa, allowing students to gain critical practical experience.

Academic institutions and education consultants warn that the exorbitant charge will likely trigger a sharp decline in Indian student enrollments across American universities. Prospective applicants are now re-evaluating their study-abroad options, shifting attention toward alternative destinations like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany where post-study work rules remain more accessible.