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World News Hindustan Times World • Oct 08, 2026

US OPT Programme Fee Proposal: Trump Administration Plans USD 70,000 Levy on Post-Study Work Permits Affecting Indian Students

💡 Key Takeaways

•Trump administration plans a USD 70,000 fee on the OPT post-study work programme.
•Indian students representing the largest demographic of STEM graduates are likely to face the highest impact.
•The administration warns the entire OPT scheme could be scrapped if the fee is not implemented.

NEW DELHI [NCRBuzz Wire] — ### Multilateral Implications of the Proposed OPT Fee

**WASHINGTON [NCRBuzz Wire] — The Donald Trump administration has proposed a stringent USD 70,000 fee on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, creating widespread apprehension among international academic circles and destination countries.** Strategic policy experts observe that Indian nationals, who form the largest contingent of STEM graduates utilizing the OPT pathway in the US, are projected to bear the heaviest financial burden under this proposed regulation.

**Official policy discussions indicate that the administration views the steep levy as a vital economic threshold, going as far as warning that the entire post-study work programme could face total elimination if the fee structure is obstructed.** The OPT framework currently allows F-1 visa holders with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees to work in the US for up to three years post-graduation, serving as a critical bridge between academic institutions and corporate employment.

### Stakeholder Perspectives and Economic Impact

**Educational institutions and multilateral trade bodies have expressed serious concern regarding how this sudden fiscal barrier might alter international student mobility patterns towards the US.** Proponents of the fee argue it ensures domestic labor market alignment and regulatory compliance, whereas critics and cross-border trade organizations emphasize that such prohibitive costs will undermine America's competitive advantage in attracting global talent.

| Metric / Aspect | Details |

|---|---|

| Affected Programme | Optional Practical Training (OPT) |

| Proposed Levy | USD 70,000 |

| Primary Demographic Impact | Indian & International STEM Students |

| Ultimate Administration Stance | Fee imposition or complete programme termination |

**Stakeholders must monitor upcoming Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulatory filings and Congressional debates to gauge the final implementation timeline.** Strategic foreign policy and educational desks in New Delhi and Washington will continue tracking bilateral diplomatic engagements to assess potential exemptions or modifications for partner nations.

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🏛️ Background Context

The OPT programme has historically served as a critical economic and educational bridge for international professionals entering the US labour market, with Indian nationals consistently representing the largest share of beneficiaries, making policy shifts a matter of intense bilateral scrutiny.

💡 Citizen & Commuter Quick Explainer (FAQ)

Q1: What is the proposed fee for the OPT programme under the Trump administration?

The Donald Trump administration is planning to introduce a USD 70,000 fee on the Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-study work programme.

Q2: Which demographic group is expected to be affected the most by this policy?

International students, particularly Indian nationals holding STEM degrees who form the largest contingent of OPT participants in the US, are likely to be hit the hardest.

Q3: What happens if the proposed USD 70,000 fee is not implemented?

The administration has indicated that it may shut down the entire OPT programme altogether if the fee is not successfully imposed.

Verified Wires: Hindustan Times World, Google News World (India Perspective) Original Wire Dispatch ↗

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