US proposes steep fee for international students seeking work visas

The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced a proposal to impose a $70,000 fee on international students applying for Optional Practical Training visas, which allow them to work in the country after graduation. The department framed the initiative as a measure to curb fraudulent applications and prevent misuse of the OPT programme, which has become a critical pathway for skilled workers globally, particularly those from India and other Asian nations.

The fee represents a dramatic increase from current charges and would effectively create a substantial financial barrier for students seeking to gain work experience in the US after completing their studies. Proponents of the measure argue that the higher cost will discourage fraudulent filings and improve the integrity of the programme. However, the proposal has generated significant pushback from American colleges and employers who rely on international talent.

Educational institutions and hiring companies have expressed concern that the steep fee will fundamentally alter the economics of hiring international graduates, potentially driving qualified workers to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Many argue that the proposal fails to address the core issues of fraud effectively while imposing disproportionate costs on legitimate applicants and employers. The initiative is expected to face scrutiny from stakeholders in the education and technology sectors.

The DHS proposal arrives as the US continues to grapple with immigration policy reforms. Industry observers note that any final rule could reshape the landscape for international student employment and have far-reaching implications for the estimated hundreds of thousands of students pursuing OPT status annually.