Trump admin proposes ₹67 lakh fee for students to work in US: How Indians could be impacted
The Trump administration has proposed a ₹67.7 lakh ($70,000) fee for international students seeking US work training under OPT. The move could significantly affect Indian students, the largest international student group in the US, as OPT remains a key way to switch from education to employment.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a significant increase in fees for international students participating in work-training programs in the United States. Under the proposed rule, non-immigrant students on F-1 visas would be required to pay up to ₹67.7 lakh ($70,000) for certain work-training programmes, as part of the administration's efforts to combat fraud and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system.
This increase would have a significant impact on Indian students, who make up a large portion of the international student community in the US. With around 3.63 lakh Indian students enrolled in US institutions during the 2024-25 academic year, the proposed fee could deter many students from pursuing work-training programs in the US.
The proposed fee for on-the-job training under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme is particularly concerning, as it is nearly double the current fee of ₹48,000 ($500). The proposal could lead to a decrease in OPT participation among Indian students, who have already seen a 15% drop in enrollment for the 2025-26 academic cycle due to tightened visa policies and proposed changes to the immigration system.
The proposal is currently under a 30-day public comment period before it can be finalized, giving stakeholders time to prepare for its potential implementation.
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