How would the $70,000 fee on international students working in the US impact schools and grads? 2 lawyers break it down.

Two immigration lawyers have examined the potential impact of a proposed $70,000 fee on international students studying in the United States. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed the fee to enable international students to work in the US under Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs. The fee could be passed onto students, F-1 nonimmigrant students, other parties, or even employers, according to Hector Chichoni, a partner at Greenspoon Marder.

Aaron Blumberg, a partner at Fragomen, warns that the fee may render OPT financially inaccessible for many international students, limiting their opportunities to gain valuable U.S. work experience.

Blumberg also notes that this proposed rule could have ripple effects on American students, as international students often bring in tuition revenue to US colleges. If the fee discourages international enrollment, it could lead to higher tuition and fewer academic programs and campus resources. Additionally, employers who seek highly skilled graduates may face consequences as OPT has been an important bridge between U.S. higher education and the American workforce.

Both attorneys emphasize that the proposed rule is not yet a finalized law. Current international students should continue pursuing their educational and professional goals while staying informed and working closely with their university's international student office. Those who are currently eligible for OPT or STEM extensions should not delay their filings to ensure their applications are grandfathered in before any final regulatory shifts.