Politics · Singapore Bureau
US proposes $70,000 fee for international student work permits
The Trump administration is considering imposing steep training fees on foreign students seeking work authorization in the United States, marking an escalation in its approach to international visa holders. The proposal would require students to pay at least $70,000 to gain employment rights.
LSN Singapore ·
The US Department of Homeland Security unveiled the proposal through a government notice released on Wednesday, signaling a significant shift in how Washington handles work permits for international students. Under the framework, foreign students would need to shoulder substantial financial costs to secure authorization to work during or after their studies.
The move forms part of a broader Trump administration initiative to tighten regulations around foreign visa holders across multiple categories. Officials have positioned such measures as protective of American workers and designed to ensure that international workers do not undercut domestic employment opportunities.
International student populations in the United States include significant numbers from Asia, with many students from India, China, and Southeast Asia pursuing tertiary education at American institutions. The proposed fee structure would substantially increase the financial burden on students already paying tuition and living expenses in the country.
The proposal is likely to face scrutiny from universities and education advocates who argue that international students contribute economically and academically to American institutions. Industry observers expect the measure could prompt some students to reconsider enrolling at US universities or to seek alternative study destinations.