US Proposes $70,000 Fee for International Student Work
The Trump administration has proposed a dramatic increase in fees linked to the Optional Practical Training programme, potentially requiring institutions to pay $70,000 for an international student’s initial work authorisation and another $30,000 for subsequent training.
US Proposes $70,000 OPT Work Authorisation Fee
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed the new charges for F-1 international students participating in Optional Practical Training, which allows them to work in jobs connected to their field of study.
Under the proposal, certified educational institutions would pay $70,000 for an initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for subsequent authorisation, including qualifying extensions.
The fees would represent a major change from the current system, where OPT-related application costs are only a fraction of the proposed amount.
Indian STEM Students Could Face Major Impact
OPT is particularly important for international graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Most students can receive up to 12 months of work authorisation, while eligible STEM graduates can obtain an additional 24-month extension.
Indian students are among the largest groups using the programme, often relying on OPT to gain US work experience before potentially transitioning to H-1B employment.
DHS Says Proposal Targets Fraud and Cheap Labour
The administration says the proposed fees are intended to combat fraud, protect American workers and prevent OPT from functioning as what it describes as a pipeline for lower-cost foreign labour.
Universities and international education groups have warned that the plan could discourage foreign students from studying in the United States and disrupt the skilled-worker pipeline.
The proposal must undergo a public-comment process before any final implementation.
