U.S. DHS proposes $70,000 fee for international student work
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a $70,000 fee for universities that wish to enroll international students in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. This fee is a substantial increase from the current application fee of approximately $500, which has historically been paid by international students.
Under the new proposal, colleges and universities would also incur a $30,000 fee for applications for extensions. The OPT programme allows international students on F-1 visas to work temporarily in jobs related to their field of study after graduation.
The proposed changes aim to enhance oversight of the programme and encourage universities to be more selective in recommending students for OPT. The DHS cited concerns about fraud, with over 10,000 potential fraud cases identified in 2026.
The funds collected would go to the US Treasury. This proposal is part of a series of immigration measures introduced by the Trump administration affecting international students and skilled foreign workers.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Nairametrics. Read the original report below.
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