Trump Proposes $70,000 Fee for International Students to Work in US, Citing Suspected Fraud

The Trump administration has proposed requiring American universities to pay $70,000 for each international student entering a program that allows them to work in the United States, citing suspected fraud involving thousands of students.

The Department of Homeland Security’s proposal, announced Wednesday, would also impose a $30,000 fee for extensions under Optional Practical Training (OPT), potentially bringing the cost to $100,000 for eligible students seeking additional work authorization, as The Associated Press points out.

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According to Inside Higher Ed, DHS cited an investigation identifying more than 4,000 students allegedly using shell companies to falsify employment records. The department also referenced its own investigation identifying 10,000 OPT participants working for employers it described as “highly suspect.”

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The proposal would place the payment obligation on educational institutions, although colleges could potentially pass the costs to students or employers. Nearly 290,000 international students received OPT or STEM OPT authorization in 2024, Inside Higher Ed reported. DHS expects participation to decline if the fees take effect.

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