Trump Admin Proposes Massive New Fees on Foreign Student Work Program
The Trump administration is proposing sharply higher fees for international graduates seeking temporary U.S. jobs through Optional Practical Training, a federal program that allows foreign students to work in fields related to their studies.
Under a Department of Homeland Security proposal, colleges and universities would pay $70,000 before recommending an international student for initial OPT employment authorization. Schools would face a further $30,000 fee for later authorization, including extensions available to graduates with qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees.
The plan would mark a major change from the current system. International students generally pay about $500 in application fees, while schools do not face a similar five-figure charge for participating in the program.
Although the proposed fees would be charged to educational institutions, universities could look to recover some of the cost through higher student expenses or arrangements with prospective employers.
OPT allows foreign nationals studying in the United States on F-1 student visas to work temporarily in jobs directly related to their academic fields. Most eligible graduates may receive up to 12 months of employment authorization. Graduates with qualifying STEM degrees can apply for an additional 24-month extension.
The program has become a source of foreign workers for technology, engineering and other industries seeking specialized skills. It also gives international graduates the opportunity to gain U.S. work experience before pursuing other employment-based immigration options.
Under the proposal, a university would have to pay the initial $70,000 fee before recommending a student for OPT. The additional $30,000 charge would apply to subsequent participation, including a STEM extension.
DHS says changes are needed to address fraud, strengthen immigration enforcement and ensure programs intended for foreign students do not disadvantage Americans seeking jobs. Administration officials have also argued that OPT can give employers access to comparatively inexpensive foreign labor, potentially encouraging some companies to hire international graduates instead of U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
The proposed fees would make participation substantially more expensive. Colleges and employers might therefore become more selective about which international graduates receive work opportunities.
The plan is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which has targeted employment programs the administration says businesses can use to recruit foreign workers instead of Americans.
Critics of the proposal warn that making OPT too costly could push prospective students toward universities in Canada, Europe, Australia and other countries where graduates may find post-study work opportunities more accessible.
Foreign enrollment is already under pressure. The number of new international students entering the United States reportedly fell 17 percent last fall, the steepest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic. Some universities have reported even larger drops this year, although national enrollment totals are not yet complete.
The financial impact could also reach beyond international students. Many pay full tuition, providing colleges with revenue that can help fund academic programs, faculty and research.
Supporters of tighter restrictions argue that protecting American workers’ job opportunities and wages should take priority over universities’ financial interests in enrolling foreign students.
The OPT proposal follows other administration efforts to tighten rules for student visas and foreign-worker programs, including changes affecting employment authorization and higher costs for some employment-based immigration programs.
DHS published the proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 8. The public comment period is scheduled to remain open through November 9. The department will review the comments before deciding whether to revise or finalize the rule. The proposed $70,000 and $30,000 fees have not taken effect.