The United States has proposed implementing a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) work programme, marking a significant increase in costs associated with post-graduation employment authorisation.
The proposed fee would apply to international students graduating from US institutions who wish to work in the country following completion of their studies. The OPT programme currently allows eligible international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study for a designated period after graduation, typically 12 months for most fields, with extensions available for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines.
The substantial fee proposal has raised concerns among international student advocates and educational institutions, who argue the increase could discourage talented foreign graduates from remaining in the US workforce and pursuing employment opportunities in the country.
International students represent a significant source of revenue for US universities and contribute substantially to the domestic economy through tuition payments, living expenses and consumer spending. The proposal could impact recruitment and retention of international talent in critical sectors including technology, engineering and research.
US immigration officials have not yet finalised the fee structure, and the proposal remains subject to public comment and regulatory approval processes. Educational institutions and international student organisations are expected to weigh in on the proposal during the comment period.
The proposed fee adjustment reflects ongoing policy debates in the US regarding international student visas, work authorisation and immigration more broadly, with policymakers balancing economic and labour-market considerations against immigration control objectives.
