Stories
Trump Administration Proposes Massive Fee for International Student Work Program
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News18•07-10-2026, 21:00
Trump Administration Proposes Massive Fee for International Student Work Program
- •The Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for international students participating in the optional practice training program known as OPT.
- •Schools would be required to pay the $70,000 for each new student's initial application and a $30,000 fee for each renewal.
- •The DHS described the fee as a response to fraud and abuse, labeling the visa program a pipeline for cheap foreign labor.
- •Higher education and business groups warn the proposal will harm American innovation, economic growth, and workforce development.
- •The public has 60 days to comment on the proposal, which also faces potential legal challenges before it can be finalized.
Key Questions Answered
The Department of Homeland Security proposed a USD 70,000 fee that schools would be required to pay for every international student's initial application to the optional practical training programme, along with a USD 30,000 fee for each renewal.
The DHS stated that the fee is a response to fraud and abuse within the visa programme, which it characterized as a pipeline for cheap foreign labour.
The OPT program allows international students to work in jobs related to their major either during or after their studies, generally granting one year of post-graduation work eligibility with an additional two years available for certain STEM majors.
