DHS proposes massive $70K fee for foreign students seeking work authorization
DHS proposes a $70,000 OPT fee for F-1 visa holders in the United States, calling the program a pipeline for cheap foreign labor into the workforce.
TL;DR
- DHS proposes a $70,000 fee for initial OPT authorization and $30,000 for extensions for F-1 visa holders.
- The agency states the rule aims to prevent the program from being a subsidy for cheap labor and a backdoor into the U.S. workforce.
- OPT currently allows eligible foreign students to work part-time during studies and full-time after graduation for around $500.
- DHS cites widespread fraud and abuse within the Student and Exchange Visitor Program as the reason for the proposed change.
- Critics, such as Doug Rand of the Talent Mobility Fund, believe the proposed rule lacks legal standing and will likely be challenged in court.