The Trump administration has proposed major new fees for foreign students seeking work training in the United States.

Under the proposal, F-1 visa students would face a $70,000 fee for certain Optional Practical Training programs.

Students would also have to pay $30,000 for any additional work training. The proposal was announced by the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS said the proposed fees aim to reduce fraud and improve immigration system oversight.

The agency also said the changes would protect American workers. It said the fees would help ensure training programs follow F-1 visa requirements.

Optional Practical Training allows eligible foreign students to gain work experience in their fields. Students can generally work up to 20 hours weekly while school remains in session.

Students can also receive limited work authorization after completing their studies. Those with qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees may receive additional time.

Under the current system, participants generally pay around $500. The proposed fees would therefore represent a significant increase.

DHS said the new fee would help confirm that employers, students and educational institutions follow the rules.

The proposal could have a major effect on international students studying at American universities. Many students use OPT as an important step toward professional employment.

OPT programs can also serve as a pathway toward H-1B employment. The H-1B visa is widely used by skilled foreign workers in the United States.

The Trump administration has also introduced higher fees affecting the H-1B program. The changes have raised concerns among businesses and immigration advocates.

For decades, the H-1B system has attracted engineers and scientists from around the world. Workers from India and China have made up a significant share of participants.

Major technology companies also depend on skilled foreign workers for specialized positions. Many employees begin their careers through US university programs.

The proposal comes despite Trump previously making promises regarding foreign graduates. During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump discussed helping foreign students remain in America.

He suggested that some foreign graduates could receive Green Cards after completing their studies. The latest proposal appears to take a different approach toward student work training.

The proposed changes are expected to face legal challenges. Immigration advocates and other groups may challenge the fees in court.

Doug Rand of the Talent Mobility Fund criticized the proposal on LinkedIn. He argued that similar immigration restrictions have faced legal problems.

The proposal will now enter a public comment period lasting 30 days. DHS will review public feedback before deciding whether to finalize the rule.

If finalized, the department plans to wait another 60 days before implementation. This period would give schools, students and employers time to prepare.

The proposed fees could significantly change the cost of work training for international students. The final outcome will depend on public comments and potential legal challenges.

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