WASHINGTON, United States — The administration of President Donald Trump has proposed a major increase in the cost of employing international students after graduation, with a new rule requiring American educational institutions to pay $70,000 for each student seeking work authorisation under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.
The proposal, announced by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), would also introduce an additional $30,000 charge for eligible extensions, potentially bringing the total cost to $100,000 for certain international graduates.
According to reports by Reuters, the Associated Press and Higher Ed Dive, the proposed measure forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration controls, address alleged visa programme abuses and prioritise employment opportunities for American workers.
The OPT programme allows international students holding F-1 visas to gain temporary employment in the United States in fields related to their academic qualifications. Most eligible graduates can work for up to 12 months, while qualifying students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields may obtain an additional 24 months.
Under the proposed arrangement, universities and other eligible educational institutions would be responsible for paying the new charges when recommending international students for work authorisation.
The proposed fees represent a substantial increase from the existing application charges, which are generally around $500, although the exact amount depends on the application.
US Government Cites Fraud Prevention
The Department of Homeland Security has defended the proposed changes as necessary to strengthen oversight of the OPT programme, prevent fraud and protect American workers.
The department has argued that the programme has been vulnerable to abuse and that imposing substantial fees would encourage educational institutions to exercise greater scrutiny when recommending students for employment.
The administration has also raised concerns that OPT could be used to bypass restrictions associated with the H-1B visa programme, which enables American employers to recruit foreign professionals for specialised occupations.
However, the proposal has attracted criticism from higher-education advocates and industry stakeholders, who warn that the additional financial burden could make the United States less attractive to international students.
Universities and Businesses Raise Concerns
Education groups have warned that the proposed charges could discourage institutions from recommending international graduates for employment, particularly where the financial commitment is difficult to justify.
The policy could also affect American businesses that rely on international graduates to fill positions in technology, engineering and other specialised sectors.
According to Higher Ed Dive, the financial burden could potentially be transferred to international students or employers, depending on how institutions respond to the new requirements.
Education advocates have argued that international students contribute to university revenues, research, innovation and the broader American economy. They fear that introducing such high charges could encourage prospective students to consider alternative study destinations.
The concerns come amid reports of declining numbers of newly arriving international students, adding to uncertainty surrounding the future of international education in the United States.
Proposal Yet to Become Final Policy
The proposed fee structure is not yet a final regulation. The Department of Homeland Security must proceed through the applicable rulemaking process, consider public comments and determine whether to issue a final rule.
If approved, the measure could significantly reshape how American universities support international graduates seeking temporary employment after completing their studies.
The proposal may also face legal challenges from educational institutions, business associations or other affected stakeholders, particularly over its potential economic and legal implications.
For international students considering studying in the United States, the development introduces another area of uncertainty. While the proposed charges would formally fall on institutions, their eventual impact could extend to students through changes in university policies, employment opportunities and the overall cost of pursuing an American education.
Sources: Reuters; Associated Press; Higher Ed Dive; Inside Higher Ed.
