US proposes $70,000 university fee for OPT, shifting cost from international students

The US Department of Homeland Security proposes charging universities $70,000 per international student recommended for Optional Practical Training (OPT), up from the current $500 fee historically paid by students. OPT extensions would attract a $30,000 fee. Payment must be made before universities recommend students via SEVIS, or employment authorization won't be granted. This shifts financial responsibility from students to institutions, potentially increasing costs for international students if universities pass fees along.

Over 294,250 international students used OPT in 2024/25—about a quarter of the US international student population—with Nigerians among those relying on this pathway to gain US work experience before H-1B visas or other immigration routes. The proposal could deter Nigerian students from choosing US universities if costs rise significantly, affecting 'Japa' plans. DHS states the fee aims to strengthen oversight, reduce fraud (citing over 10,000 potential OPT cases identified by ICE in 2026), and curb unfair competition with American workers.

This comes alongside other Trump administration restrictions: F-1 students now limited to four-year max admission periods (down from 'duration of status'), post-study grace period cut from 60 to 30 days, and a proposed $103,265 H-1B visa fee. Universities reliant on international tuition revenue face potential budget strain.

Will you reconsider US study plans if OPT costs increase, explore alternatives like Canada or UK post-study work options, or seek universities committed to absorbing such fees to maintain accessibility for international students?

SOURCE: https://nairametrics.com/2026/10/08/u-s-proposes-70000-fee-for-international-student-work-programme/