The United States Department of Homeland Security, DHS, has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to participate in the country’s Optional Practical Training, OPT, programme.
The proposal forms part of the latest measures by President Donald Trump’s administration aimed at tightening rules governing foreign students and immigration.
Under the proposed regulation, educational institutions would be required to pay $70,000 for each international student’s initial OPT application, while every renewal would attract a $30,000 fee.
The OPT programme enables eligible international students to obtain temporary employment in the United States in positions related to their fields of study.
International students are typically permitted to work for up to one year after completing their studies under the programme, while graduates in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, disciplines may qualify for an additional two years.
The proposed charges could have a significant impact on Nigerian students and other international students who depend on OPT to acquire professional experience in the United States after graduation.
US universities also rely considerably on international students, including Nigerians and students from other countries, for tuition revenue.
At the same time, technology firms and other businesses depend on international graduates to fill specialised and technical roles.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association representing international education, said OPT gives international students an opportunity to gain practical experience while helping employers address labour shortages, especially in STEM-related sectors.
“Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership,” Aw said in a written statement.
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