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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
New Proposal Targets Work Permit Fee for Foreign Students
The Trump administration has unveiled a proposed rule that would dramatically increase work permit fees for foreign students seeking employment in the United States. The initiative, introduced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is positioned as part of a broader effort to safeguard American jobs and clamp down on alleged immigration fraud.
Details of the Proposed Fee Increases
Under the new rule, international students holding F-1 visas would face a $70,000 fee for initial authorization through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. Subsequent extensions of their work permits would be subject to a $30,000 fee. Currently, students pay approximately $500 in application fees for the same authorization.
OPT Program and Its Role
The Optional Practical Training program allows eligible foreign students to gain practical work experience in their fields of study. While attending school, students can work part time, and after graduation, they may work full time for a limited period. Those in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines can qualify for an additional 24 months of employment authorization. Authorization is managed through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and designated school officials.
Administration’s Rationale and Claims of Immigration Fraud
A DHS spokesperson stated that the OPT was never intended as a pathway into the American workforce, nor as a way to provide a cheap labor pool or reward abuse of the system. The spokesperson stressed that American workers should not be forced to compete with a program that has, according to the administration, become a source of inexpensive foreign labor. DHS officials argue that the steep work permit fees are aimed at curbing widespread fraud, with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program identifying cases involving fraudulent employment arrangements, unauthorized worksites, and so-called "pay-to-stay" schemes used to maintain immigration status.
Potential Impact and Legal Questions
The administration claims that the proposed dramatic fee increases would incentivize universities to exercise greater oversight and would help deter abuse within student work authorization programs. However, immigration advocates and critics question whether DHS possesses the legal authority to implement such a substantial increase in visa application fees. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, stated that the proposal will likely face significant legal challenges, referencing previous Trump administration immigration policies that were contested in federal courts.
Next Steps for the Proposed Rule
The proposed DHS rule is not final. It must undergo a public comment period before any potential implementation. This process will provide an opportunity for feedback and further scrutiny of the impact on international student employment and overall immigration policy.
Source: tennesseestar.com.
