Washington: The Donald Trump administration is considering a proposal that could require international students to pay a $100,000 fee if they want to work in the United States after graduating from an American university, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The proposal could have a major impact on foreign students, particularly Indians, who form one of the largest international student communities in the US. More than 360,000 Indian students could potentially be affected if the measure is introduced in a form that applies broadly to international graduates. The proposed charge is reportedly being considered in connection with the Optional Practical Training, or OPT, programme, which allows eligible international students to remain in the US and gain work experience related to their field of study after completing their education. Depending on their course and eligibility, students can currently work under the programme for between one and three years.

According to the report, the proposal is being considered by the US Department of Homeland Security, but several important details remain unclear. There is no confirmation yet on whether the White House has formally backed the plan, and it is also unclear exactly which international graduates would be required to pay the proposed $100,000 fee. The plan, therefore, remains under consideration rather than an implemented policy. If introduced, however, such a large charge could significantly change the financial calculation for students planning to study and later work in America. International students already spend substantial amounts on university tuition, accommodation, insurance and other living expenses. Adding a six-figure employment-related fee could make the post-study work route difficult to afford for many graduates. The OPT programme has been particularly important for students who want to gain professional experience in the US before moving to another immigration status or returning to their home countries.

Indian students could be among those watching the development most closely. With more than 360,000 Indians studying in the United States, any major change to post-graduation employment rules could have wide consequences for students and families planning education abroad. The impact would ultimately depend on the final structure of the proposal, including whether the fee applies to all OPT participants, particular categories of graduates, employers or another group. Those details have not yet been made clear in the reported proposal. For now, students considering US universities should note that the $100,000 OPT fee has not been introduced and remains a proposal reportedly under consideration at the Department of Homeland Security. A final decision, the categories covered and any implementation timeline would need to become clear before its actual impact on Indian and other international students can be assessed.