US plans to charge international students US$70,000 for work authorisation
The homeland security department says the new rules aim 'to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect US workers'.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule requiring international students with F-1 visas to pay up to $70,000 for work authorization under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This fee would be levied for both on-the-job training during school and additional work training after graduation.
The proposal aims to curb fraud, enhance immigration system integrity, and safeguard U.S. workers. Currently, students typically pay around $500 for OPT-related fees. The DHS intends the fee to ensure that employers, students, and institutions engage in activities consistent with their F-1 nonimmigrant status. The rule change follows the Trump administration's crackdown on foreign visa holders, including increased fees for H-1B visas, which have been challenged in court.
The proposed rule will undergo 30 days of public comment before potential finalization, with the rule set to take effect 60 days after finalization.
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- US plans to charge international students US$70,000 for work authorisation freemalaysiatoday.com
