US proposes $70,000 OPT fee for international students, including Nigerians

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to work in the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme. 

Under the proposal, schools would pay $70,000 for each student's initial OPT application and $30,000 for every renewal. The proposed fee could affect Nigerian and other international students who rely on OPT to gain work experience in the US after graduation. 

OPT allows eligible foreign students to work in jobs related to their fields of study. Students are generally eligible for one year of OPT after graduation, while those in qualifying STEM fields can receive an additional two years.

DHS said the proposed fee is aimed at tackling fraud and misuse of the programme, which it described as a pipeline for cheap foreign labour. However, higher education and business groups have raised concerns that the fee could discourage international students and make it harder for US employers to access skilled workers, particularly in STEM fields. 

Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, said OPT helps international students gain practical experience while helping employers fill labour shortages.

“Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership,” she said.

The public will have 60 days to submit comments on the proposed rule before DHS decides whether to finalise it. The proposal could also face legal challenges from higher education and business groups.