US Proposes $70,000 Fee on Schools for Foreign Student Post-Graduation Work Programs

The United States has proposed requiring universities and other certified educational institutions to pay a fee of US$70,000 for each foreign student entering a post-graduation work program. This measure could significantly increase the cost for thousands of Chinese graduates seeking employment experience in the country.

The Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday that the proposed fee would apply to initial participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT), with an additional US$30,000 charge for subsequent participation.

According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors report, nearly 62,000 Chinese students took part in OPT during the 2024-2025 academic year. The program allows eligible students on F-1 visas to work in jobs directly related to their field of study.

Schools would be required to pay the fee before recommending a student for OPT, and US Citizenship and Immigration Services would not grant employment authorization without payment, the Department of Homeland Security stated.

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