US proposes steep fees for international student work permits

The Trump administration has proposed introducing substantial fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits, marking the first time such charges would be levied on the popular work authorization program for international students in the United States.

Under the proposal, educational institutions would be required to pay $70,000 for initial OPT applications and $30,000 for permit renewals. The fees would be charged directly to colleges and universities rather than to individual students, representing a significant departure from current OPT administration practices.

OPT allows foreign students to work in the United States for up to three years after completing their academic programs, with many Indian students utilizing the program to gain professional experience before returning home or seeking permanent residency. The proposed charges would effectively increase the financial burden on educational institutions sponsoring international students.

The proposal comes as part of broader policy discussions within the Trump administration regarding immigration and international student admissions. Education officials and industry observers are expected to weigh in during the regulatory comment period, with potential implications for the hundreds of thousands of international students enrolled at American institutions annually.