US Proposes $70,000 Fee for International Students Seeking Post-Graduation Work Authorization

Washington — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a move that could significantly increase the cost of obtaining work experience in the United States after graduation.

Under the proposal, an initial OPT participation fee would be set at $70,000, while subsequent participation would carry a $30,000 fee. The proposed charges are not currently in effect.

DHS will accept public comments on the proposed rule from October 8 through November 9 before determining whether to move forward with the changes.

OPT allows eligible international students holding F-1 visas to work temporarily in positions directly related to their academic fields. The program is particularly important for foreign graduates pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and other specialized industries.

Under the proposed regulations, schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) would be required to pay the fees before their designated officials could recommend students for OPT through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services would be prohibited from granting employment authorization unless the required payment had been made.

The fees would apply regardless of the employer and would be triggered whenever a school recommends an eligible international student for OPT. Revenue collected would be deposited into the U.S. Treasury.

DHS said the proposal is intended to address fraud, strengthen oversight of employment authorization programs and protect American workers.

“Optional Practical Training was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labour, or a prize for those who game the system,” a DHS spokesperson said.

“DHS is upskilling OPT to require foreign students to justify their worth to employers. American workers should not have to compete against a program that has been turned into a pipeline for cheap foreign labour,” the spokesperson added.

The department said investigations have identified instances in which schools, employers, designated school officials and international students allegedly exploited existing OPT regulations, including through questionable employment arrangements and so-called “pay-to-stay” visa schemes.

Officials argued that higher fees could encourage educational institutions to exercise greater scrutiny before recommending students for work authorization.

Under existing regulations, eligible F-1 students can receive up to 12 months of OPT at each educational level, either before completing their studies or after graduation.

Students earning qualifying degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics may also receive a 24-month extension, allowing up to three years of employment authorization.

Participation requires a recommendation from a designated school official, followed by a separate employment authorization application to USCIS.

The proposed changes come as the Trump administration pursues tighter oversight of employment-based immigration programs, citing concerns about fraud, labor-market competition and compliance with immigration rules.

DHS said it will review public comments and supporting evidence after the comment period closes and may modify the proposal before issuing a final rule. (Source: IANS)