Trump administration plans to charge international students $70,000 for work authorization - Reuters

The United States Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new regulatory framework that would significantly increase the costs associated with work authorization for international students. Under the proposed rules, individuals holding F-1 visas would be required to pay a fee of at least US$70,000 to a certified institution to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT). An additional fee of US$30,000 would be mandated for any subsequent work training.

The current OPT system allows foreign students to engage in work training for up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session, as well as for a limited period following graduation. Students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are currently granted additional time for these programs. At present, participants are generally expected to pay approximately US$500 to enroll in these training opportunities.

Government officials stated that the proposed fee structure is intended to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect domestic workers. According to the Department of Homeland Security, the new charges are designed to ensure that students, employers, and educational institutions are participating in activities that remain consistent with the terms of admission for F-1 non-immigrants.

These training programs frequently function as a transition for international students who intend to pursue employment under H-1B visas. The administration has previously implemented measures to increase fees associated with the H-1B program as part of a broader effort to adjust policies concerning foreign visa holders. The proposal for the new OPT fees was formally posted in a government notice on October 7.