The Department of Homeland Security announced a proposed rule that would charge foreign students on F‑1 visas a $70,000 fee for an initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, with a $30,000 fee for any subsequent extension.
The move threatens to make a widely used pathway for international students to gain practical experience unaffordable, raising concerns for Christian communities that value fair treatment, stewardship of talent, and the educational mission of U.S. institutions.
According to the proposal, students would still need to work in a field directly related to their major, obtain a recommendation from a designated school official, and receive employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. OPT currently costs around $500 and allows part‑time work while enrolled and full‑time work after graduation, with STEM graduates eligible for an additional 24‑month extension.
A DHS spokesperson said, “Optional practical training was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor or a prize for those who game the system.” The agency frames the steep fees as a response to “widespread fraud and abuse” identified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, citing illegal “pay‑to‑stay” schemes and non‑compliant worksites.
Critics argue the rule exceeds the agency’s authority. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, wrote on LinkedIn, “Don’t panic: DHS has no authority to slap a $70k fee on international students,” adding that similar high‑fee policies have been struck down in court.
The proposal also places new pressure on colleges and universities, which would be expected to exercise “greater oversight and selectivity” before recommending students for OPT. Advocates for international education warn that such barriers could deter talented students from pursuing studies in the United States, limiting the exchange of knowledge that benefits both nations.
The rule is not final; it will be subject to a public comment period before any implementation. Stakeholders, including educational institutions, student groups, and faith‑based organizations, are encouraged to submit feedback as the policy discussion continues.