U.S. proposes $70,000 fee for international student work programme

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a significant $70,000 fee for universities enrolling international students in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a substantial hike from the current $500 fee. This fee would be levied on each international student recommended for OPT by the university, along with a $30,000 fee for extension applications.

The OPT programme permits international students on F-1 visas to work in jobs pertinent to their field of study post-graduation. The proposed changes could impact international student recruitment, given that OPT is a key consideration for foreign students when choosing to study in the U.S. In the 2024/2025 academic year, over 294,250 international students participated in OPT, constituting approximately a quarter of the international student population.

Universities, especially those heavily reliant on international enrolment, could also face increased financial burdens. DHS asserts that the higher fees aim to enhance programme oversight and encourage universities to be more discerning when recommending students for OPT. The proposal is also spurred by concerns over fraud within the programme; Immigration and Customs Enforcement had identified over 10,000 potential fraud cases related to OPT in 2026.

The funds collected through these fees would be directed to the U.S. Treasury. This proposed fee is part of a series of immigration measures by the Trump administration targeting international students and skilled foreign workers. The administration has also targeted the H-1B programme, which is commonly used by international graduates to remain in the U.S. post-OPT.

The H-1B programme has been subject to criticism for allegedly providing foreign graduates an edge in the job market, potentially displacing American graduates.