Trump Administration Proposes $70,000 Fee for OPT Program

The administration of United States President Donald Trump proposed a $70,000 fee for schools applying for international students seeking to work in the U.S. under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This proposal, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), aims to restrict foreign student enrollment and employment, citing concerns over fraud and abuse of the visa program.

Schools would be required to pay this fee for each international student participating in OPT, which allows students to work in jobs related to their studies during or after their education. Additionally, a $30,000 fee would apply to each renewal of the program.

The DHS stated that the public has 60 days to comment on the proposal before it can be finalized. The proposal could significantly impact American colleges and universities that depend on international students for tuition revenue, as well as technology companies that employ international graduates.

The CEO of NAFSA criticized the proposal, arguing that it would harm American innovation and workforce development.