DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee for International Students in OPT Program
The Department of Homeland Security, part of the Trump administration, has proposed a significant $70,000 fee for international students to work in the U.S. through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This proposed rule, which faces a public comment period…
Anchorage, AK, October 7, 2026 — The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), under the Trump administration, has put forth a proposal that could introduce a substantial fee of $70,000 for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program allows foreign graduates to gain work experience in the United States following their studies.
The proposed rule, which is currently open for a public comment period, aims to address concerns regarding foreign enrollment numbers. If implemented, the significant fee could potentially reshape the landscape for international students seeking post-graduation employment opportunities in the U.S.
The potential impact of such a measure could extend to various sectors. American educational institutions that rely on international student enrollment may face challenges, as prospective students consider the added cost of participation in the OPT program. Additionally, industries that benefit from the skills and labor provided by international talent through OPT could also experience effects.
Details regarding the specific timeline for the public comment period or when the rule might take effect were not immediately available. The proposal also anticipates potential legal challenges, indicating that the rule’s implementation may face scrutiny and opposition.
The Optional Practical Training program is a key pathway for many international students to gain practical experience in their fields of study within the United States. The proposed $70,000 fee represents a significant increase and introduces a new financial barrier for students looking to utilize this opportunity.
Further information regarding the specific provisions of the proposed rule and the DHS’s rationale is expected to be detailed during the public comment phase. The extent of the impact on educational institutions and industries remains a subject for discussion and analysis as the proposal moves through the administrative process.
Story summarized from the original created by Annie Ma and Heather Hollingsworth, Associated Press on www.adn.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
