The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a major new fee for international students seeking temporary employment in the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. Under the proposed rule, a $70,000 (around ₹67 lakh) fee would apply to each F-1 international student seeking initial OPT. A subsequent OPT application would carry a proposed $30,000 (around ₹29 lakh) fee. NDTV
What is OPT?
OPT allows eligible F-1 international students to gain temporary work experience in the US in a field directly related to their academic programme. Students can generally receive up to 12 months of OPT at each education level, while eligible graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields may qualify for an additional 24-month extension. NDTV
Why Has the US Proposed the Fee?
The DHS said the proposed fees are intended to combat fraud and abuse, strengthen oversight of the OPT programme and protect American workers. The department has raised concerns about practices such as problematic worksites and so-called “pay-to-stay” arrangements involving some schools, employers and international students. NDTV
The department also said the proposal is aimed at preventing OPT from being used as a pathway for what it describes as low-cost foreign labour, while ensuring that employers and educational institutions use the programme for its intended purpose. NDTV
How Would the Proposed System Work?
Under the proposal, SEVP-certified educational institutions would have to pay the required fee before recommending an F-1 student for OPT through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students would then proceed with the employment authorisation process through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
