The Trump administration has proposed a major new fee for international students seeking to work in the United States after completing their studies, potentially making the country significantly more expensive for foreign graduates.
Under a proposal released by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), educational institutions would be required to pay $70,000 for each international student beginning Optional Practical Training (OPT). The programme allows F-1 visa students to gain work experience in jobs related to their field of study. A further $30,000 fee would apply for subsequent OPT extensions.
What is OPT?
OPT is a temporary employment programme available to eligible international students on F-1 visas. Students can generally work for up to 12 months in employment related to their degree after completing their studies. Graduates in qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields can receive an additional 24-month extension.
The proposed fee would represent a dramatic increase from the current cost of participating in the programme. International students currently pay an application fee of roughly $500, while universities do not currently face a comparable charge for recommending students for OPT.
DHS cites fraud and protection of US workers
The Department of Homeland Security says the proposed fee is intended to address fraud and misuse of the OPT system, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system and protect American workers.
The administration has argued that some employers and participants have used OPT as a source of lower-cost foreign labour. DHS says the new financial requirement would encourage educational institutions to recommend only students who meet the programme’s requirements and are pursuing work directly connected to their studies.
Universities and education groups raise concerns
The proposal has drawn concern from universities and international education organisations, which warn that the cost could discourage students from choosing American universities.
Education groups say OPT is an important factor for international students deciding where to study because it provides an opportunity to gain professional experience in the US after graduation. They also argue that international graduates play an important role in industries that depend on skilled workers, particularly STEM-related fields.
The proposed rule allows institutions to potentially pass the cost to students, employers or the broader student body. However, universities have questioned whether they would be able or willing to absorb a $70,000 charge for every student seeking OPT.
Proposal could affect Indian students
The policy could have significant implications for Indian students, who make up a large share of the international student population in the United States and are heavily represented in STEM programmes. A substantial reduction in access to OPT could affect students planning to gain US work experience after graduation.
The proposal comes as US universities are already reporting concerns about declining international enrolment. According to AP, the number of new international students entering the US fell by 17% last year, while some individual institutions have reported considerably larger declines.
Not yet a final rule
The $70,000 charge is currently a proposal, not an immediate requirement. The public will have an opportunity to submit comments before DHS decides whether to finalise the rule. The proposal could also face legal challenges if it is implemented.
If ultimately adopted, the measure would represent a major change to one of the most important pathways through which international students transition from US universities into temporary employment, potentially reshaping decisions for students, universities and employers alike.
