With reference to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in the US, consider the following statements: 1. The OPT program allows eligible F-1 international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation. 2. Approximately 300,000 students utilized the OPT program in the previous year. 3. The Trump administration proposed a fee of $50,000 for the OPT program. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The Trump administration proposal to impose a $100,000 fee for the Optional

GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims· 13 September 2026

Impact of US immigration policy on human capital mobility and bilateral relations: a GS2 International Relations case study.

Why in news

The Trump administration proposed a $100,000 fee for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows F-1 international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation.

Background

The proposal aims to impose a $100,000 fee on the OPT program, which was utilized by approximately 300,000 students last year. Legal experts suggest universities might be responsible for paying this fee on behalf of employers.

Facts for Prelims

FactOPT program allows eligible F-1 international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation
FactApproximately 300,000 students used the OPT program last year
FactThe proposed fee for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program is $100,000

Prelims practice question

With reference to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in the US, consider the following statements:

The OPT program allows eligible F-1 international students to work in the US for up to three years after graduation.
Approximately 300,000 students utilized the OPT program in the previous year.
The Trump administration proposed a fee of $50,000 for the OPT program.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (c) 1 and 2 only — Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect: The proposed fee is $100,000.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how changes in US immigration policies and work authorization programs like OPT impact the aspirations and mobility of Indian students and the global labor market.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Economic friction: High entry costs for international graduates potentially reducing the diversity of the US high-tech workforce
Academic impact: Potential reduction in international student enrollment due to increased institutional costs and fee burdens

Keywords: Immigration Policy · Labor Mobility · Human Capital · F-1 Visa · OPT Program

Read the full news →Report a mistake in this note Source: Times of India ↗Also: GS2 · Education policy Also: GS3 · Employment & inclusive growth

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