The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students applying for post-study work permits under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a move that could dramatically alter the landscape for foreign graduates seeking employment in the United States. The draft rule, introduced by the Trump administration, also includes a $30,000 fee for 24-month extensions for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, bringing total costs to $100,000 for those seeking extended work authorization.
Proposed Fees and Current Costs
Under the proposed rule, the $70,000 fee applies to initial OPT authorization, which allows foreign graduates on F-1 student visas to work legally in the US in jobs related to their field of study for up to one year. For STEM students applying for a 24-month extension, an additional $30,000 renewal charge would be imposed, making the combined fee $100,000. Currently, students only pay standard filing processing fees ranging between $410 and $520.
The fee would be charged directly to American universities and colleges that recommend students for the OPT program. The draft rule requires SEVP-certified institutions to pay the fee when their designated school officials recommend a student for OPT in the official database. Government agencies will not issue employment authorization cards without verified proof of payment.
Who Bears the Cost?
Education advocates stress that universities cannot absorb tens of thousands of dollars per graduating student, meaning these massive costs will likely trickle down directly to international students or their prospective employers. The policy shifts the primary payment burden onto American institutions, but the financial impact is expected to fall on students and companies hiring them.
The Trump administration defended the proposal as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the American immigration system. Department officials pointed to recent federal investigations that uncovered visa fraud, "pay-to-stay" arrangements, and fake worksites involving thousands of foreign students. Government representatives stated that OPT was never meant to serve as a back door into the US job market or a pipeline for cheap foreign labor that undercuts American workers.
Industry and Legal Reactions
The news has sent shockwaves through higher education and corporate sectors. Industry leaders argue that the extreme cost will price the US out of the global market for top talent, forcing skilled graduates in critical industries to take their skills to countries like Canada, the UK, or Australia. Survey data suggests that as many as 80% of foreign graduates would forego applying for post-study work in America if the policy goes live.
The rule is currently entering a public comment period before officials can work toward finalizing it. Legal scholars and higher education associations anticipate immediate lawsuits to block the move, noting that similar exorbitant fee structures introduced by the administration have previously been struck down in federal court.
If enacted, the policy could significantly reduce the number of international students staying in the US after graduation, impacting both the talent pool for American employers and the revenues that universities derive from international enrollment. The public comment period offers a window for stakeholders to voice opposition, but the administration appears committed to advancing the rule despite expected legal challenges.
