Trump Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for Foreign Students

The Trump administration has proposed a $70,000 OPT fee that could significantly affect international students hoping to gain work experience in the United States after completing their studies.

The proposal, announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, would require American universities and colleges to pay $70,000 for each international student’s initial participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme.

An additional $30,000 would apply for subsequent OPT recommendations, including extensions for eligible graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The proposed policy forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda, which the administration says is intended to protect American workers and prevent abuse of employment programmes.

However, education organisations and immigration experts have warned that the charges could discourage international students from choosing US universities.

What Is the Proposed $70,000 OPT Fee?

Optional Practical Training allows eligible international students holding F-1 visas to gain temporary employment experience directly related to their academic studies.

Under existing regulations, most students can work for up to 12 months after graduation, while qualifying STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension.

Currently, students generally pay approximately $500 to apply for employment authorisation.

Under the new proposal, universities certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program would become responsible for paying the $70,000 fee when recommending a student for OPT for the first time.

Institutions would also pay $30,000 for each subsequent recommendation.

Although universities would carry the formal payment obligation, DHS acknowledges that some institutions might transfer the financial burden to students or employers.

The proposed fees could therefore make post-study employment considerably more expensive for international graduates.

Why Trump Wants Higher OPT Fees

The Department of Homeland Security argues that the OPT programme has become vulnerable to fraud, exploitation and practices that disadvantage American workers.

According to DHS, investigations have identified questionable employment arrangements involving some foreign students, including suspected fictitious employers and suspicious financial activities.

The department maintains that imposing substantial fees would encourage educational institutions to conduct stronger verification before recommending students for employment.

Officials also argue that additional oversight could reduce the misuse of OPT as an alternative route into the American workforce.

However, critics question whether imposing such high charges is an effective or proportionate way to address immigration fraud.

How the OPT Fee Could Affect International Students

The proposed $70,000 OPT fee could have significant consequences for international students who view employment opportunities as an important reason to study in America.

For many foreign graduates, OPT provides an opportunity to gain professional experience, develop industry connections and potentially qualify for longer-term employment visas.

Higher costs could make universities less willing to recommend students for the programme.

The financial burden could also affect employers seeking graduates with specialised skills.

The potential impact may be particularly significant in technology, engineering, healthcare and other industries that recruit international graduates.

Students from Nigeria and other countries who are considering postgraduate education in the United States could also face greater uncertainty about their employment prospects if the proposal is implemented.

However, the proposal does not automatically change existing student visas or immediately impose new charges on current OPT applicants.

Universities Warn of Impact on US Education

American higher education organisations have expressed concern that the proposed policy could weaken the country’s ability to attract talented students from overseas.

Fanta Aw, chief executive of NAFSA, an association representing international education, warned that discouraging foreign graduates from working in the United States could damage innovation and economic growth.

Education advocates argue that OPT enables graduates to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while contributing skills to American businesses.

The Associated Press reported that the number of new international students entering the United States fell by 17% last autumn compared with the previous year.

Some education leaders fear that further restrictions could accelerate that decline.

A reduction in foreign student enrolment could also affect university finances because international students often contribute substantial tuition revenue.

When Will the $70,000 OPT Fee Take Effect?

The proposed $70,000 OPT fee has not become law or taken effect.

The Department of Homeland Security published the proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026.

Members of the public and interested organisations have until November 9, 2026, to submit comments on the main proposal.

Federal authorities must review the rule making process before deciding whether to introduce a final regulation.

The proposal could also face legal challenges from universities, employers and immigration organisations.

Until a final rule takes effect, international students can continue applying for OPT under existing eligibility requirements and application procedures.

For prospective foreign students, the development introduces uncertainty over the future cost of gaining professional experience in the United States.

Whether the proposal will ultimately become enforceable remains uncertain, but its potential implications for international education and employment are already attracting widespread attention.