US Weighs 100,000 dollar Fee for Foreign Graduates Seeking Jobs; Around 3.6 Lakh Indian Students Could Be Affected

The United States is reportedly considering a proposal to impose a $100,000 fee on international students who wish to work in the country after completing their studies, a move that could significantly impact thousands of foreign graduates, including an estimated 360,000 Indian students currently enrolled at American universities. The proposal is still under review and has not yet been approved.

According to reports, the proposed fee would apply to students seeking employment through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international graduates on F-1 student visas to gain work experience in the United States after completing their degrees. The OPT program currently permits most graduates to work for up to one year, while students in STEM fields can remain employed for as long as three years.

The measure would mark one of the most expensive post-study work requirements ever proposed in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly examining the proposal as part of a broader review of immigration and employment policies, although officials have not announced a timeline for a final decision. It also remains unclear whether the financial burden would fall on students, employers, or educational institutions.

Indian students are expected to be among the most affected because India is currently the largest source of international students in the US. Many choose American universities not only for higher education but also for the opportunity to gain professional experience through the OPT program before seeking longer-term employment or returning home. A fee of this scale could make that pathway financially challenging for many graduates and their families. The reported proposal comes after a federal court blocked the administrations earlier attempt to impose a similar $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications. Reports suggest officials are now exploring whether a comparable charge could instead be introduced through the OPT program.

The proposal has also sparked concerns among universities and employers. Higher education institutions rely heavily on international students, particularly in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics programs, while many US companies recruit graduates through the OPT route to fill skilled positions. Critics argue that a steep fee could reduce the countrys appeal as a destination for global talent and encourage students to consider alternatives such as Canada, the United Kingdom, or Australia. At present, the proposal remains under consideration, and no official policy has been announced. Until the US government issues a formal decision, international students and universities are expected to closely monitor developments that could reshape post-study employment opportunities in the country.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.