The Donald Trump administration has proposed a major increase in the cost of work authorisation for international students in the US, with a new $70,000 fee for participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. 

The proposal could significantly affect students who depend on OPT to gain work experience after completing their studies, particularly graduates from India and China.

Under the proposed rule, US educational institutions would have to pay $70,000 when recommending an F-1 international student for their first OPT participation. 

A subsequent OPT recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension, would attract an additional $30,000 fee. The charges would technically be imposed on Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institutions rather than directly on students. However, schools could consider the cost when deciding whether to support a student’s OPT application.

The current cost associated with OPT is around $500, making the proposed fee a dramatic increase. The OPT programme allows eligible F-1 students to gain temporary work experience related to their field of study. Most students can receive up to 12 months of OPT, while graduates in eligible STEM fields can qualify for an additional 24-month extension.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the proposed charges are aimed at combating fraud, strengthening the integrity of the immigration system and protecting US workers. 

The administration has argued that the OPT programme has faced misuse and that stronger financial requirements could encourage institutions to scrutinise training arrangements more closely.

The proposal could have a significant impact on Indian students, who form one of the largest groups of international students in the US and have traditionally used OPT as a pathway towards professional employment and, in many cases, H-1B visas. Technology companies also rely heavily on international graduates for specialised roles.

The move comes as the Trump administration continues to tighten rules for foreign workers and students. A separate $100,000 H-1B fee has already faced legal challenges, with federal courts blocking its implementation in separate cases.

The proposed OPT rule is not yet final. Public comments will be accepted before DHS makes a final decision. If approved, the department has said the rule would take effect after an additional 60-day preparation period.

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