On the 7th the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule imposing large
fees on international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT). Under
the proposal, schools would pay $70,000 for each student's initial OPT
application and $30,000 for each extension. OPT allows F-1 students to work in
roles directly related to their field of study and is a key transition pathway
to employment visas. DHS said the measure is intended to curb visa fraud and
abuse and to prevent OPT from becoming a backdoor into the US labor market.
