The Trump administration has proposed charging universities $70,000 for each international student they recommend for work authorisation in the United States (US) after graduation, with an additional $30,000 fee for any subsequent recommendation or extension.
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the proposal on Wednesday as part of measures it says will combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system and protect US workers.
The proposed fees target the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, which allows eligible international students on F-1 visas to undertake temporary employment related to their field of study. Under the proposal, DHS will require schools certified to enroll foreign students to pay $70,000 for an initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for any subsequent recommendation, including an extension.
The programme currently does not charge universities fees for the recommendations. International students generally pay an application fee of up to $520.
Under the existing system, eligible foreign students can receive up to 12 months of temporary employment authorisation for work related to their field of study. Students with qualifying degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can receive an additional 24-month extension.
Students can also take part in on-the-job training for up to 20 hours a week while their school remains in session, according to the DHS proposal.
DHS said that the new fee will ensure that “employers, students, and institutions are engaging in appropriate activities consistent with admission as an F-1 nonimmigrant.”
The proposal could limit international students’ access to OPT because universities may pass the .cost on to students. It could also affect industries such as technology and finance that rely on international graduates.
OPT often provides a route for international graduates seeking employment through the H-1B visa programme. For decades, the programme has allowed engineers and scientists, particularly from India and China, to move from US universities into skilled jobs and pursue permanent residency.
The Trump administration has also targeted the H-1B programme with higher fees.
The proposals are taking shape despite President Donald Trump saying during his 2024 campaign that he wanted to make it easier for foreign students to remain in the US. Trump had suggested automatically granting Green Cards to foreign students after graduation.
The proposed rule will face a 30-day public comment period before DHS can finalise it. The department said that it will wait another 60 days after finalisation before implementing the rule, giving schools, students and employers time to prepare.
