The administration of United States President Donald Trump has proposed a major increase in fees for international students seeking work experience through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a move that could significantly impact thousands of foreign students studying in the country.
Under the proposal released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), students holding F-1 visas would be required to pay $70,000 to participate in the OPT programme through a certified institution. An additional $30,000 fee would apply for students seeking extended work training opportunities.
DHS said the proposed charges are aimed at combating fraud, strengthening the integrity of the U.S. immigration system, and protecting American workers.
The OPT programme currently allows eligible international students to gain practical work experience related to their field of study while enrolled in school and for a limited period after graduation. Students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are eligible for extended work authorisation under existing regulations.
At present, participation in the programme typically costs international students about $500, making the proposed fees a dramatic increase from current levels.
In a statement, DHS said the new fee structure is intended to ensure that employers, educational institutions, and students comply with activities consistent with admission under F-1 nonimmigrant status.
The OPT programme has long served as a pathway for many international graduates seeking employment through the H-1B visa programme. The Trump administration has also pursued policies aimed at increasing costs and tightening requirements within the H-1B system.
For decades, the H-1B visa programme has enabled skilled professionals, particularly in fields such as engineering, technology, and science, to transition from U.S. universities into the workforce. Many of these workers eventually obtain permanent residency status. Major American technology firms continue to rely heavily on H-1B visa holders to fill specialised positions.
The proposal contrasts with remarks made by President Trump during the 2024 presidential campaign, when he expressed support for making it easier for foreign graduates of U.S. universities to remain in the country, including allowing them to receive permanent residency opportunities after graduation.
Immigration advocates and industry stakeholders have already raised concerns about the proposal. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, an organisation that supports international STEM professionals, argued that the measure would likely face significant legal hurdles if implemented.
The proposed rule will undergo a 30-day public comment period before any final decision is made. DHS stated that, if approved, implementation would be delayed for 60 days after finalisation to allow schools, students, and employers adequate time to prepare for the changes.
The proposal is expected to spark widespread debate among educational institutions, business groups, and immigration advocates, who warn that substantially higher fees could discourage international students from studying and working in the United States.
