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

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.