The Trump administration is considering imposing a $100,000 fee on international students who want to work in the United States after completing their degrees at American universities, according to a report. The proposed measure is reportedly linked to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which currently allows eligible foreign graduates to remain and gain work experience in the US for up to three years after completing their studies.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the proposed fee would represent a major shift in the US approach towards post-graduation employment opportunities for international students. The move is part of President Donald Trump's broader efforts to tighten legal immigration channels and introduce stricter conditions for foreign nationals seeking opportunities in the country. The proposal, however, has not yet been officially announced by the administration.

The OPT programme has long served as a crucial pathway for international students graduating from US universities, particularly those pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The programme allows graduates to gain practical work experience related to their academic fields and has often been viewed as a bridge between higher education and long-term employment opportunities in the United States.

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A $100,000 fee could significantly alter the appeal of studying in the US for overseas applicants. American universities attract hundreds of thousands of international students every year, with many choosing the country not only for academic opportunities but also for the possibility of gaining professional experience after graduation. The Wall Street Journal report noted that such a high financial requirement could make US higher education less attractive to foreign applicants and potentially affect university revenues.

International students contribute substantially to the financial health of many American institutions, especially through tuition payments and research contributions. Universities that rely heavily on global enrolment could face challenges if prospective students begin considering alternative destinations such as Canada, the United Kingdom or Australia, where post-study work options remain an important factor in attracting international talent.

The proposed fee could also have consequences for American companies that regularly hire foreign graduates. Technology companies, financial institutions and other industries often recruit international students for specialised positions requiring advanced skills. Businesses have frequently supported pathways that allow highly educated foreign graduates to remain in the US workforce, arguing that they help address talent shortages and support innovation. The potential policy change comes amid an ongoing debate in the United States over immigration, employment opportunities and the role of foreign workers in the economy.

Supporters of stricter immigration controls argue that reforms are needed to prioritise American workers, while critics say measures that restrict international talent could harm universities, businesses and research sectors. As of now, the proposal remains under consideration, and further details regarding its scope, implementation and possible exemptions have not been disclosed. International students, universities and employers are closely watching developments as the Trump administration reviews policies affecting foreign graduates seeking to work in the United States after completing their education.

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