The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is proposing new fees on international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, saying the changes are needed to protect American jobs and strengthen the integrity of the immigration system.
Under the proposal, colleges and universities would pay a $70,000 fee for each international student receiving initial OPT employment authorization.
A $30,000 fee would apply for subsequent authorization, including eligible extensions for students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
OPT allows F-1 international students to work temporarily in jobs related to their fields of study after completing their academic programs. Eligible STEM graduates can receive an additional two years of employment authorization.
DHS says the proposed fees are intended to discourage abuse of the program, address concerns about foreign workers competing with American workers and ensure employers are not using the program to obtain lower-cost labor.
The proposal does not take effect immediately.
DHS must accept and review public comments before deciding whether to finalize the rule.
The proposed fees could significantly increase the cost of hiring international graduates and may affect colleges, universities and employers that rely on the OPT program
