US eyes $70,000 fee for foreign students to work

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 9, 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new fee structure requiring universities to pay $70,000 for each international student's initial OPT work authorization and $30,000 for extensions, including STEM fields. This drastic increase could lead universities to limit OPT recommendations or raise costs for students, potentially reducing work opportunities for foreign graduates and affecting the attractiveness of U.S. higher education.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a significant fee increase that could affect international students seeking work authorization through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Under the new plan announced Wednesday, universities would be required to pay $70,000 for each international student’s initial OPT authorization, with an additional $30,000 charge for later extensions, including those available to graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

The proposed fees represent a stark departure from the current system, where students pay approximately $500 in application fees and universities do not incur any costs related to OPT recommendations. The DHS justifies the move by citing concerns about fraud and misuse within the OPT program, asserting that new fees would enhance the integrity of the immigration system and better protect employment opportunities for American workers.

The OPT program allows foreign graduates to work in positions related to their academic studies, making it a key factor in attracting international students to U.S. colleges and universities. Thousands of students, including many from India, rely on OPT as a pathway to gain work experience and potentially pursue long-term careers in the United States.

However, educational experts warn that shifting such a substantial financial burden to universities could lead to unintended consequences. Some suggest that institutions may pass these costs on to students through higher tuition or fees, while others fear the prospect of universities limiting the number of OPT recommendations to avoid the steep charges. This could reduce opportunities for foreign graduates and diminish the appeal of U.S. higher education programs.

The fee proposal is part of broader immigration policies enacted under the Trump administration aimed at tightening controls and prioritizing American workers’ job prospects. While officials emphasize the need to address vulnerabilities in the OPT system, critics caution that the move could have far-reaching effects on the international student community and the U.S. higher education sector.

At present, the proposed regulations require universities certified to enroll foreign students to pay the fees before endorsing eligible students’ OPT applications. The measure is open to public comment as the DHS evaluates potential impacts before any final decision is made.

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.