U.S. Proposes Steep Fees for OPT Student Work Program Impacting Graduates
The U.S. administration proposed a 70,000 dollar fee for the OPT student work program, impacting thousands of international students, including Israeli graduates seeking U.S. work experience.
The administration of Donald Trump is advancing a controversial immigration proposal that could impose heavy financial burdens on international students seeking to launch their careers in the United States, affecting thousands of Israeli graduates. The Department of Homeland Security has submitted a plan to charge a 70,000 dollar fee for participation in the Optional Practical Training program, known as OPT, alongside an additional 30,000 dollar fee for program extensions.
Impact on Graduates and Institutions
The OPT program currently allows students holding F-1 visas to secure temporary employment related directly to their field of study for up to one year, with STEM graduates eligible for a two-year extension. Under the new proposal, universities or academic institutions would be required to pay the fees on behalf of the students, though costs are widely expected to be passed down to the graduates or their future employers.
The program was never intended to serve as a backdoor to the U.S. labor market, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a reward for those who exploit the system, stated the Department of Homeland Security.
Implementation Timeline
For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, approximately 3,000 Israelis studied in U.S. higher education institutions and participated in post-graduation employment pathways. The proposal is scheduled for publication in the federal register, opening a public comment period until November 9 before final review and potential implementation.
