US Proposes $70,000 Fee for International Students' Work Permits
The Trump administration's new rule could significantly impact foreign students seeking employment in the US.
A proposed fee of $70,000 for each international student applying for the OPT program.
The fee aims to address visa fraud, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The proposal could face legal challenges and public comments are invited for 60 days.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a controversial proposal that would impose a $70,000 fee on schools for each international student applying for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This initiative, announced on Wednesday, is part of the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to tighten regulations surrounding foreign student enrollment and employment in the United States.
Under the proposed rule, educational institutions would be responsible for paying the fee for every student participating in the OPT program, which permits international students to work in their field of study during or after their academic tenure. Typically, students are allowed to work for one year post-graduation, with those holding degrees in specific STEM fields eligible for an additional two years of employment.
The financial burden of this fee could have significant repercussions for American colleges and universities that depend on tuition from international students. Additionally, industries such as technology, which frequently hire international graduates for technical roles, may also be affected. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an organization advocating for international education, expressed concerns, stating that discouraging international talent would harm U.S. innovation and economic growth.
The DHS has justified the proposed fee as a necessary measure to combat fraud and misuse of the visa system, labeling it a “pipeline for cheap foreign labor.” Public feedback on the proposal will be accepted for 60 days, after which DHS will consider finalizing and implementing the rule. However, it is anticipated that the proposal could encounter legal challenges from higher education advocates and business groups, potentially delaying its enactment.
This proposal is part of a broader trend of tightening immigration rules for international students by the Trump administration. Last year, the administration began revoking the legal status of numerous international students, leading to detentions and deportations. Additionally, a recent rule aimed at limiting international students' stay in the U.S. to four years without federal approval faced opposition and was blocked by a federal court in September.
