Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee for each foreign graduate seeking U.S. work permit
The Trump administration has floated a rule that would charge universities $70,000 for each international student they recommend for post-graduation work authorization, with a $30,000 charge for any subsequent recommendation.
A new proposal from the Trump administration would require schools that enroll foreign students to pay a $70,000 fee for the first Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation and $30,000 for each additional recommendation or extension. The rule targets universities certified to host international students and would only take effect if finalized after a public comment period. The measure could dramatically limit access to the OPT program, which currently serves hundreds of thousands of foreign graduates.
Why it matters
The fee could restrict thousands of foreign graduates from gaining U.S. work experience, impacting both students and the U.S. talent pipeline.
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