Trump administration plans to charge international students $70,000 for work authorization
SPY•The Department of Homeland Security proposed requiring F-1 students to pay $70,000 for initial Optional Practical Training and $30,000 for additional work training. The proposal faces a 30-day public comment period and would take effect 60 days after finalization.
1. Proposed training fees
The Department of Homeland Security proposed requiring international students with F-1 visas to pay $70,000 to a certified institution for initial on-the-job training through Optional Practical Training, and $30,000 for any additional work training. Students currently are expected to pay around $500 to participate.
2. Public comment period
DHS said the proposed fees are intended to combat fraud, strengthen the immigration system’s integrity and protect U.S. workers. The proposal is subject to 30 days of public comment; DHS said it would wait 60 days after finalization before putting the rule into effect.
3. Potential legal challenges
The training programs can serve as a bridge to H-1B visas, which the administration has also targeted with increased fees. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, said on LinkedIn that the proposal would face legal challenges.
