Trump mulls US$100,000 fee for foreign students to work in US after graduation

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, August 1, 2026

The Trump administration is considering a proposal to charge international students $100,000 to extend their stay and work in the US through the Optional Practical Training program. If implemented, the fee could significantly reduce the number of foreign students able to gain post-graduation work experience, impacting nearly 300,000 participants and reflecting broader efforts to tighten immigration controls.

The administration of US President Donald Trump is considering a proposal to charge international students $100,000 to remain in the United States and work after graduation, according to an individual familiar with internal discussions. The potential fee would apply to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows foreign students to extend their stay to gain work experience related to their field of study.

The source, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, indicated that no immediate policy change has been announced, and a White House official confirmed the proposal is under consideration but not imminent. If enacted, the fee could make the OPT extension prohibitively expensive for many international students.

OPT is a key component of the US international student system, enabling nearly 300,000 participants as of late 2025, accounting for about 25% of foreign students in the country, according to data from the Institute of International Education. The Trump administration has previously criticized the program, citing concerns over visa fraud and overstays.

This proposal follows a series of measures aimed at reducing the number of international students in the US. Earlier in July, the Department of Homeland Security ended a long-standing policy that allowed student visa holders to remain in the US for the duration of their academic programs. The agency is now limiting stays to a maximum of four years unless a student receives a special extension.

The proposed fee mirrors similar efforts by the administration to impose a $100,000 charge on H-1B work visas, which have traditionally been a major pathway for foreign professionals seeking employment in the US. However, a federal judge ruled in June that the $100,000 fee on H-1B visas was unlawful, prompting the White House to appeal the decision.

The broader context of these moves reflects the administration’s focus on tighter immigration controls, particularly for foreign workers and students who constitute a significant portion of the country’s skilled workforce pipeline. The impact of these proposals remains uncertain as they undergo review and potential legal challenges.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.