WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday proposed a new rule that would impose new fees for F-1 non-immigrant students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization connected to a student's field of study.
The proposed rule would establish a 70,000-U.S.-dollar fee per F-1 non-immigrant student for initial OPT and a 30,000-dollar fee per F-1 non-immigrant student for any subsequent OPT, according to a statement on the department's website.
DHS is proposing the fees "to combat fraud and abuse, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers," the statement said.
"Imposing this new fee structure on Optional Practical Training is the latest in a series of developments that creates deep uncertainty for international students," NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, said in a statement.
"Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership," said Fanta Aw, executive director and CEO of NAFSA.
Since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House, his administration has tightened immigration policies, cracking down on undocumented immigrants and increasing scrutiny of U.S. visa holders.
In September 2025, Trump signed a proclamation raising the fee that companies pay to sponsor H-1B applicants to 100,000 dollars. However, two federal judges have blocked the fee, one in June and another in late September.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant U.S. work visa that lets American companies hire foreign workers for specialized jobs.
In August, the DHS proposed a 103,265-dollar fee for H-1B cap-subject petitions, marking the agency's latest move to restrict the visa program on new grounds. ■
