The Trump administration has proposed a major new fee for international students seeking to work in the United States after or during their studies.
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for each international student participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. Schools would be required to pay the fee for a student’s initial OPT application, while renewals could attract an additional $30,000 fee.
OPT allows international students on F-1 visas to gain work experience related to their field of study. Students are generally eligible for up to one year of work after graduation, while graduates in certain STEM fields can qualify for an additional two years.
The proposed fee is a sharp increase from the existing cost of OPT and could significantly affect US universities that depend on international students for tuition revenue. It could also impact technology companies and other industries that recruit international graduates for skilled roles.
DHS says the proposal is aimed at addressing fraud and abuse in the visa system, strengthening immigration controls and protecting US workers. However, higher education and industry groups have warned that the move could discourage international students from choosing American universities and hurt the country’s access to global talent.
The proposal is now subject to a public comment period before it can be finalised. It could also face legal challenges that may delay its implementation.
