Trump admin proposes ₹67 lakh fee for students to work in US: How Indians could be affected

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suggested that international students pay up to approx ₹67.7 lakh ($70,000) for certain job training programs if they want to work in the US, as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on foreign visa holders.

The proposed rule would require nonimmigrant F-1 visa students to pay ₹67.7 lakh ($70,000) to a certified institution for on-the-job training under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, according to a statement issued by DHS.

An additional job training program would require a proposed fee of ₹29 lakhs ($30,000).

DHS said the proposed changes are aimed at “fighting fraud, strengthening the integrity of the immigration system, and protecting American workers.”

The proposal could have a significant impact on Indian students, who form one of the largest international student communities in the US.

Around 3.63 lakh Indian students have enrolled in US institutions during the 2024-25 academic year, making India the country’s largest source of international students, according to the Hindustan Times.

The OPT program is especially important for Indian students who want to transition from higher education to employment in the US. Participation in OPT among Indian students has risen to around 1.44 lakh, according to a report in The Times of India.

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However, Indian student enrollment is said to have fallen by around 15% in the 2025-2026 cycle, amid stricter US visa policies and proposed changes to the immigration system, The Hindu reported.

Under the OPT system, F-1 students can perform temporary work related to their field of study for up to 20 hours per week while their academic program is in progress, and they can also work for a limited time after graduation, according to Reuters.

Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) may qualify for an extended period of work authorization. Students currently pay around ₹48,000 ($500) for OPT-related applications, which is proposed ₹67.7 lakh ($70,000) fee is a dramatic increase, according to the report.

DHS said the proposed fee is to ensure that “employers, students and institutions engage in appropriate activities” consistent with F-1 nonimmigrant status.

For many international students, OPT serves as a bridge between studying in the US and entering the country’s skilled workforce.

For decades, the H-1B visa program has allowed highly skilled workers, particularly engineers, scientists and technology professionals from countries like India, to work for American companies after completing their studies.

U.S. technology companies have also relied heavily on H-1B workers to fill specialized positions and address skill gaps.

Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, which seeks to attract foreign STEM professionals, criticized the DHS proposal on LinkedIn, saying it could face legal challenges.

According to Reuters, the proposal will first be subject to a 30-day public comment period before DHS can finalize it. If finalized, DHS said it would wait another 60 days before implementing the rule, giving universities, students and employers time to prepare.