US proposes $70,000 fee for international students' work-training program

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed charging international F-1 visa students $70,000 to participate in the Optional Practical Training program.

• The Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for the initial OPT application and $30,000 for each extension, applying to F-1 visa holders.
• Participants now pay about $500, so the proposal would raise the cost of the work-training program substantially.
• DHS said the rules aim to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect American workers.
• A 30 to 60-day public comment period on the proposal has opened through the federal regulations.gov portal.