Trump Administration Proposes $70,000 Fee for International Students
The US proposes a $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation by international students, with another $30,000 for subsequent OPT periods.
$70,000 Fee Proposed For International Student OPT
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking work through Optional Practical Training (OPT), potentially adding a major new cost to the post-study work pathway for F-1 students. The proposal would also introduce a $30,000 fee for each subsequent OPT recommendation, including STEM OPT extensions.
The proposal is not yet in effect. DHS will accept public comments before deciding whether to finalize the rule.
What Is the $70,000 International Student Fee?
OPT allows eligible F-1 students to gain temporary work experience in jobs related to their field of study. Most eligible students can receive up to 12 months of OPT, while qualifying STEM graduates can receive an additional 24-month extension.
Under the proposed rule:
- $70,000 would apply when a school initially recommends an F-1 student for OPT.
- $30,000 would apply for each subsequent OPT recommendation.
- The fees would be paid by SEVP-certified educational institutions, although the proposal would allow schools to potentially recover the costs from students or employers.
Who Will Have to Pay the $70,000 International Student Fee?
The proposed fee would apply to US educational institutions recommending F-1 students for OPT, rather than being a direct fee charged by the government to every international student.
The financial impact could nevertheless extend to students if universities decide to pass the cost on. The proposal could therefore affect international students who rely on OPT to gain US work experience after completing their degrees.
Will the $70,000 Fee Affect International Students in the US?
The proposal could have broader implications for students planning to study and work in the US. OPT is an important part of the pathway many international graduates use to gain professional experience before pursuing longer-term employment options.
For Indian students, the development is particularly relevant given the large number of Indian graduates who use the US education-to-employment pathway. Students considering the F1 student visa to Green Card journey may also need to reassess how potential changes to OPT could affect their plans for US permanent residency.
However, the proposed fee does not currently change the rules for obtaining a United States Green Card or create a new Green Card requirement.
The proposal comes as international student enrolment and the US visa environment face increased scrutiny. If finalized, the cost of OPT could become an important consideration for students deciding whether to pursue education in the US and for universities recruiting international talent.
For the official proposed rule and details on the $70,000 OPT fee, visit the Federal Register.
Stay connected with Smart Immigrant for more updates on US immigration, student visas and policy changes.
