$100K OPT Fee: An Unfair Attack on International Students

$100K OPT fee worries students

The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program has long been a reliable employment method. However, a new proposed rule has recently cleared the White House Review, which may permanently close that route.

The proposed rule will impose a $100,000 fee on students who file for OPT. This has drawn immense outrage from students.

It makes sense for a $100,000 fee on H-1B, as it brings in specialty workers from outside the US. However, as many people point out, imposing a $100,000 on students has no excuse or justification.

Those saying that OPT jobs hurt American workers were pointed towards facts. Over 500,000 IT roles remain unfulfilled across the country, meaning that immigration is not the reason for the poor job market.

This rule, if it goes into effect, will be yet another blow to Indian students in the US. Last month, many universities paused their CPT programs, following crackdowns by authorities.

OPT, for many, had been one of the most attractive premises of studying the US. Now, that door, just like the H-1B dream, seems likely to close.

American universities also are in fear of this new rule. It will likely heavily discourage international enrollment, one of the major sources of tuition revenue.

The US is essentially attempting to cut itself off from the outside world in its misguided “America First” policy. The OPT program is yet another victim in that quest, affecting thousands of students.