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The United States has proposed a new $70,000 fee for international students seeking to work in the country under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
Under the proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), institutions would have to pay $70,000 for each F-1 student’s initial participation in OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent training or extension.
OPT allows international students to gain temporary work experience in fields related to their studies.
Most students can work for up to 12 months after graduation, while eligible STEM graduates can receive an additional 24-month extension.
DHS said the proposed fees are aimed at combating fraud and abuse, strengthening the integrity of the immigration system and protecting American workers.
The current OPT application fee paid by students is only around $500.
The proposal has drawn concern from higher education and international education groups, who warn that the high cost could discourage foreign students from studying in the US and hurt industries that rely on international graduates, particularly in STEM fields.
The proposal is not yet final. Public comments will be considered before the DHS decides whether to implement the new fees.
