US proposes $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation — South China Morning Post
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed requiring universities and other certified educational institutions to pay $70,000 for each foreign student they recommend for initial participation in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. An additional $30,000 fee is proposed for repeat participation in the program, South China Morning Post reports.
Conditions for educational institutions
OPT allows students with F-1 visas to work in a field related to their education after completing their studies. An educational institution would have to pay the fee before recommending a student for participation in the program. US Citizenship and Immigration Services would not issue employment authorization without payment.
Educational institutions would formally be the payers, but the proposed rule allows these costs to be passed on to students or employers. Nearly 62,000 Chinese students participated in OPT during the 2024–2025 academic year, according to data from the Open Doors report by the Institute of International Education.
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Reaction and further procedure
NAFSA: Association of International Educators criticized the initiative. The association’s executive director and CEO, Fanta Aw, said that OPT helps foreign students gain practical experience and also address workforce shortages in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The US Department of Homeland Security said the fees are intended to counter fraud, strengthen oversight, and protect American workers. The agency cited, among other things, schemes involving fictitious employment and “pay to stay” arrangements.
The proposal has not yet taken effect. The agency will accept public comments from October 8 to November 9 and may amend the rule after reviewing them. If finally adopted, it will take effect 60 days after publication of the final version.
