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Trump administration plans to charge international students $70,000 for work authorization
Reuters • • nation
Key Points:
- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed requiring international students on F-1 visas to pay at least $70,000 in training fees to work in the country under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, a significant increase from the current $500 fee.
- The proposal includes a $70,000 fee for on-the-job training and an additional $30,000 for any further work training, aimed at combating fraud and protecting US workers.
- OPT allows foreign students to work part-time during school and full-time after graduation, particularly benefiting STEM graduates, but the new fees could impact their ability to participate.
- The proposed rule is part of the Trump administration's broader visa crackdown and faces likely legal challenges, with critics arguing it will be struck down as previous restrictive policies have been.
- The DHS is accepting public comments for 30 days before finalizing the rule and plans a 60-day delay after finalization before implementation to allow stakeholders to adjust.
