The Trump administration is proposing a major overhaul of a federal program that allows international students to work in the United States after graduation, with colleges potentially facing fees of up to $100,000 per student.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Wednesday that it wants to impose a $70,000 fee on schools for international students entering the Optional Practical Training program, commonly known as OPT.
Universities could then face another $30,000 fee for additional work authorization, including extensions available to students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.
The proposal would mark a dramatic shift from the current system.
International students generally pay roughly $500 in application fees today, while universities do not face comparable charges for recommending students for OPT participation.
Under the proposed rule, the financial burden would instead fall directly on educational institutions.
Schools could potentially pass some or all of those costs on to students or employers.
OPT allows foreign students with F-1 visas to temporarily work in jobs related to their areas of study.
Most international graduates are eligible for up to 12 months of employment after completing their degrees.
Students with qualifying STEM degrees can receive an additional 24-month extension.
That has made OPT an important pathway for foreign graduates seeking professional experience in the United States, particularly in technology, engineering and other specialized industries.
The Trump administration argues that the program is vulnerable to abuse.
DHS officials say some employers may use temporary foreign workers as a source of cheaper labor instead of hiring American workers at prevailing wages.
The department says the large fees would discourage misuse and force universities to be more selective about which students they recommend for employment authorization.
DHS has also framed the proposal as an immigration enforcement and fraud-prevention measure.
Under the rule, universities would need to pay the $70,000 fee before recommending a student for initial OPT authorization.
A subsequent $30,000 charge would apply to extensions or additional participation, including STEM extensions.
Critics say the proposal could have sweeping consequences for American universities and international enrollment.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an organization representing international education, warned that the fees could make the United States a less attractive destination for foreign students.
She argued that international graduates contribute to American research, innovation and workforce development.
The American Council on Education also raised concerns.
Sarah Spreitzer, the organization’s vice president, said access to employment after graduation is a major reason international students choose to attend universities in the United States.
If that opportunity becomes prohibitively expensive, she warned, students may instead choose universities in other countries.
The proposal arrives as international student enrollment is already showing signs of weakness.
The number of new foreign students entering the United States dropped 17% last fall, according to the source, marking the steepest decline since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some universities have reportedly experienced additional declines of 30% to 40% this year, although complete national figures are not yet available.
International students are also an important source of revenue for many colleges.
Foreign students frequently pay higher tuition rates than domestic students, meaning a sustained enrollment decline could create budget problems for universities.
That could affect academic programs, staffing and research operations.
The OPT proposal is part of a broader Trump administration push to tighten immigration rules affecting foreign students and workers.
Other efforts have involved student visa requirements, employment authorization and increased costs associated with the H-1B visa program, per the Conservative Brief.
The new rule was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 8.
A public comment period will remain open through Nov. 9.
DHS will review those comments before deciding whether to issue a final rule.
If the proposal is finalized, the department plans to delay implementation for 60 days so universities, students and employers have time to prepare.
Until then, the existing OPT rules and current application fees remain in effect.
