Trump govt proposes US$70k training fee for international students seeking work

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed requiring international students on F-1 visas to pay at least $70,000 in training fees to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This move, aimed at tightening visa regulations and protecting American workers, could face legal challenges and affects a key pathway for foreign graduates seeking employment and permanent residency in the US.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has put forward a proposal that would require international students seeking work authorization in the United States to pay a minimum training fee of US$70,000. This announcement, posted online on October 7, is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to tighten visa regulations for foreign nationals.

Under the proposal, international students holding F-1 visas would be obligated to pay US$70,000 to a certified institution for participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. An additional fee of US$30,000 would be imposed for any extra work training beyond the OPT program. Currently, students enrolled in OPT pay approximately US$500.

The DHS stated that these measures aim to combat fraud, safeguard the integrity of the US immigration system, and protect American workers. OPT permits foreign students to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and extend their work privileges for a limited period after graduation. Those with degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are eligible for additional work training allowances. The OPT pathway often serves as a stepping stone for students seeking employment under H-1B visas, another visa category targeted by the administration with increased fees and restrictions.

The H-1B visa program has long enabled skilled foreign professionals, particularly from India and China, to secure employment with US technology companies and, eventually, apply for permanent residency. Despite the current administration’s stringent visa policies, President Donald Trump had previously pledged during the 2024 campaign to facilitate permanent residency for foreign graduates, proposing automatic green card issuance after graduation.

The DHS plan is open to public comment for 30 days before finalization. After the rule is enacted, there will be an additional 60-day period to allow educational institutions, students, and employers to adapt to the new requirements.

Experts have expressed skepticism regarding the proposal’s legal viability. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, which advocates for foreign STEM professionals, suggested the new rule would encounter legal challenges similar to those faced by the administration’s earlier attempts to impose a US$100,000 fee on H-1B visas and other restrictive policies, some of which have been dismissed by the courts.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.