International students hoping to remain in the United States for work after completing their higher education could face significantly higher costs under a proposed overhaul of the country’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
Under the proposed fee structure, an institution could be required to pay $70,000 for a student’s first participation in OPT and $30,000 for each subsequent renewal. If implemented, the measure would substantially increase the cost of post-graduation employment for international students seeking to gain professional experience in the United States.
The proposal has been recommended by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), according to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), cited by Times Now. Under the proposed framework, educational institutions would be responsible for paying the fees associated with a student’s initial OPT participation and subsequent renewals.
U.S. authorities say the proposed measures are aimed at preventing abuse of the visa system and reducing reliance on foreign workers in relatively low-wage positions. The government is also considering stricter oversight to ensure that students and employers participating in the OPT programme comply fully with the applicable rules.
Under the existing OPT system, international students who complete their studies in the United States are generally eligible to work for up to one year after graduation. Graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics—commonly known as STEM fields—may qualify for an extended period, allowing them to work for up to three years in total.
The programme has long been regarded as an important pathway for international students to gain practical professional experience after completing their studies in the United States.
However, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has alleged that some educational institutions, employers and students have exploited the OPT system and violated its rules. Authorities have raised concerns over practices such as the use of fictitious workplaces and arrangements in which accommodation is allegedly provided in exchange for money.
Officials say tighter controls are being considered to curb such practices and strengthen oversight of the programme.
The potential changes could have a particularly significant impact on Indian students, who constitute the largest group of international students in the United States. According to PTI data, more than 363,000 Indian students studied in the United States during the 2024-25 academic year.
As a result, any implementation of the proposed OPT fee structure could affect large numbers of Indian students as well as students from other countries who rely on OPT to gain work experience following graduation.
International students also make a substantial contribution to the U.S. economy. According to data cited by Common App, international students contributed approximately $41.77 billion to local economies during the 2025-26 academic year. That contribution could decline to around $38.37 billion in the 2026-27 academic year, according to the report.
Meanwhile, data from NAFSA and JB International indicate a decline in the number of international students enrolled in the United States. From approximately 1.169 million the previous year, the number has fallen to about 1.057 million in the current period.
Against this backdrop, the proposed introduction of substantial OPT-related fees could further influence international students’ decisions about whether to choose the United States as a destination for higher education and post-graduation professional experience.
The proposal, however, has not yet been finalized. A 60-day public comment period has been set to allow individuals, educational institutions, organizations and other stakeholders to submit their views on the proposed changes.
Educational institutions and business organizations are also expected to consider legal challenges to the proposal. Even if the fee structure receives final approval, such litigation could delay its implementation.
Ultimately, the fate of the proposed OPT fees will depend on the outcome of the public consultation process, potential legal challenges and the final decision of U.S. authorities.
Sources: Times Now; Press Trust of India (PTI)