US Proposes USD 70,000 OPT Fee for Students
The US administration has proposed a USD 70,000 fee for international students seeking post-graduation work access through OPT.
Quick facts
- Proposed fee amount: USD 70,000
- Affected program: Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Target group: International students seeking US work access
Why it matters
This proposed policy shift creates substantial financial planning challenges for international students, including those from Pakistan who rely on post-graduation work opportunities to offset the cost of an American education. While the broader geopolitical and domestic labor motivations behind the fee are discussed in international media, precise implementation timelines remain unavailable in the source notes.
The US administration has proposed a USD 70,000 fee for international students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) work access in the United States, according to reports from India Today, The Economic Times, and the Toronto Star. This proposal affects international graduates aiming to gain practical work experience after completing their studies.
What is the proposed OPT fee?
The proposed policy introduces a USD 70,000 charge for international students who want to utilize OPT for post-graduation employment in the United States. Media reports from The Economic Times and the Toronto Star confirm that the proposal stems from the administration's policy updates.
Who is affected by this proposal?
International students, including those from Pakistan enrolled in US universities on F-1 visas who plan to apply for post-graduation work authorization, are directly affected by this policy change. The proposal alters the financial requirements for graduates seeking work experience in the United States.
What should students do next?
Students planning to study in the US or currently enrolled in American institutions should monitor official immigration announcements and updates from university international student offices. Applicants should review their financial planning in light of potential policy implementations. Verify all details directly on official US immigration portals.
What is confirmed and what is not?
Reports confirm that the administration has proposed a USD 70,000 fee for the OPT program. However, official implementation dates, final policy text, and exemption rules are not confirmed yet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program in the US?
Optional Practical Training allows F-1 international students with degree programs in the United States to work for up to 12 months to gain practical experience directly related to their major area of study.
Does this USD 70,000 fee apply to Pakistani students in the US?
Yes, Pakistani students studying in the US on F-1 visas who apply for OPT work access fall under the international student category affected by the proposed USD 70,000 fee reported in media outlets.
Is the USD 70,000 OPT fee officially enacted yet?
The source notes confirm that the Trump administration has proposed the USD 70,000 fee for international student work access, but final enactment details and schedules are not confirmed yet.
Where can students check official updates regarding US visa and work policies?
Students should check official US government immigration websites and consult their respective university international student advisors for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance.
In this story
Sources
Quick facts
- Topic
- Study Abroad
- Section
- Study Abroad and 1 more country (ABR)
- Coverage
- 1 source
- Status
- Verified: 3 independent outlets
- Last updated
- Oct 7, 2026 at 9:31 PM
Peak: 5K+ searches, 2 days ago.
Last checked Oct 9, 2026 at 7:30 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. This article was drafted with AI assistance from publicly reported sources. How we work · How we verify
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