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The Trump administration has proposed a $70,000 fee on American colleges for every international student participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) post-graduation work programme.
Under the rule unveiled Wednesday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), institutions must pay $70,000 for a student’s initial OPT application and an additional $30,000 fee for each renewal.
The OPT initiative allows foreign graduates to work in jobs related to their degree fields for up to one year, with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates qualifying for a two-year extension.
DHS officials defended the steep financial barrier, calling the current system a “pipeline for cheap foreign labour” and framing the measure as a necessary step to curb fraud and visa abuse.
Higher education institutions and major technology firms warned that the fee structure could devastate international enrolment and cripple technical hiring.
“Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership,” said the CEO of NAFSA, an international education association.
The public has 60 days to submit comments before DHS finalises the policy, which expects immediate legal challenges from university groups and business associations.
The proposal marks the latest executive attempt to restrict foreign enrolment following last year’s visa terminations and a summer rule limiting international student stays to a maximum of four years.
