Trump proposes $70,000 fee for foreign students seeking US work programme

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a $70,000 charge for international students on non-immigrant visas who want to take part in optional practical training (OPT), a temporary programme that permits students to work in roles connected to their field of study while in school or after graduation.

Students are typically allowed to work for one year after completing their studies, while graduates in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines can qualify for an additional two years.

Under the proposed regulation, schools would be responsible for paying $70,000 for every student’s first OPT application, while renewals would attract a $30,000 fee.

DHS announced the proposal in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying the measure is intended to address fraud and abuse, improve the integrity of the immigration system and safeguard American workers.

“Optional practical training was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labour, or a prize for those who game the system,” a DHS spokesperson said.

“DHS is upskilling OPT to require foreign students to justify their worth to employers. American workers should not have to compete against a program that has been turned into a pipeline for cheap foreign labour.”

Under existing federal rules, eligible students can take part in OPT provided the employment is directly connected to their major area of study.

Students seeking to participate must first obtain a recommendation from their designated school official (DSO), before applying for employment authorisation through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

“DHS believes the proposed fees would encourage schools to exercise greater oversight and selectivity when recommending F-1 non-immigrant students for OPT, helping reduce fraud and strengthen program integrity,” the DHS statement said.

The proposed measure is part of wider efforts by the administration of President Donald Trump to tighten immigration controls and overhaul the higher education system.

Last year, US authorities revoked the legal status of thousands of international students, with many subsequently detained and deported.

DHS said members of the public can submit comments on the proposed rule between October 8 and November 9.