Posted by Chinenye on Thu 08th Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
International students in the US could face a major new hurdle if a proposed $70,000 OPT fee becomes reality.
(President Donald Trump. Photo Credit: TIME)
The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students who want to join the Optional Practical Training programme, known as OPT.
It is part of fresh moves by President Donald Trump's administration to tighten rules on foreign students and immigration.
Under the proposal, schools would have to pay $70,000 for each international student's first OPT application and $30,000 for every renewal.
OPT lets eligible international students work in the US in jobs linked to their field of study.
Most can work for up to one year after finishing school, and graduates in some science, technology, engineering and maths fields can get two extra years.
The fees could hit Nigerian students and others who depend on OPT to gain work experience after graduation.
American universities also rely heavily on international students for tuition money, while tech firms and other businesses use these graduates to fill technical roles.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, a group for international education, said OPT gives students real work experience and helps employers deal with worker shortages, especially in STEM fields.
She warned that pushing away international students will hurt American innovation, economic growth and global leadership.