🔥 Trending US Considers $100,000 Fee for Foreign Students Working Post-Graduation

The United States is currently considering a proposal that would require international students to pay a significant fee, potentially $100,000, to be able to work in the country after graduating from American universities ¹²³. This proposal is being weighed by the Trump administration, according to reports from late July 2026 ¹².

Background of the Proposal

This potential fee would apply to international students seeking to participate in programs that allow them to gain work experience in the U.S. post-graduation, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) ³⁴. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly involved in the discussions surrounding this fee ⁴⁷.

Key Details of the Proposed Fee

• Amount: The proposed fee is $100,000 ¹²³.
• Target Group: International students who wish to work in the U.S. after completing their studies at American universities ¹².
• Purpose: To allow these students to remain in the country and work under existing programs like OPT ¹³.
• Source of Information: This information comes from individuals familiar with the matter, as reported by outlets like Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal on July 30, 2026 ¹²⁵.

Potential Impact

If implemented, such a fee could have substantial implications:

• Deterrent to International Students: Critics suggest this high fee could make studying in the U.S. significantly less attractive for foreign students ⁵.
• Financial Burden: It would place a considerable financial burden on international graduates, potentially limiting their ability to pursue post-graduation work opportunities in the U.S.
• Impact on Universities: American universities, which benefit from the enrollment of international students, could see a decline in applications.
• Specific Communities: The proposal could particularly affect communities with a large number of international students, such as the estimated 360,000+ Indian students in America ⁸.

As of late July 2026, this is a proposal under consideration by the Trump administration and has not been finalized or enacted ¹².