US Proposed Rule Could Charge Foreign Students $100,000 for Optional Practical Training

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed significantly tightening requirements for international students seeking to work in the United States after graduation. Under the new initiative, F-1 visa holders could be required to pay $100,000 in fees to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT) and additional workplace training programs, Reuters reports.

According to the proposal, the payment framework includes a $70,000 fee paid directly to certified educational institutions for OPT authorization, along with an additional $30,000 for required on-the-job training programs. Currently, the administrative fee for OPT processing is approximately $500. The OPT program enables international students to work up to 20 hours per week while studying and full-time for a designated period post-graduation, with extended authorization available for graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

DHS stated that the steep fee increase aims to prevent immigration fraud, reinforce system integrity, and protect employment opportunities for American workers. Officials added that the measures ensure foreign students and employers strictly adhere to the non-immigrant conditions of the F-1 visa category.

For decades, practical training programs have served as a critical pathway for international graduates to secure high-paying jobs and transition to H-1B work visas, while helping major US technology companies fill specialized labor shortages. While US President Donald Trump previously suggested streamlining green card pathways for foreign graduates during his 2024 campaign, this proposal signals a contrasting approach. The rule is currently undergoing a 30-day public comment period, with an additional 60-day grace period planned following final approval to allow educational institutions, employers, and students time to adjust.