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The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new fees for international students on F-1 visas who want to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary work authorisation linked to a student’s field of study.
Under the proposed rule, a fee of $70,000 (around Rs 67 lakh) would apply for a student’s initial OPT participation. A further $30,000 (around Rs 29 lakh) fee would apply for any subsequent OPT participation.
What Is OPT For International Students?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 international students to work in the US in a job directly related to their major or field of study.
Students can apply for OPT either while they are studying, known as pre-completion OPT, or after completing their programme, known as post-completion OPT. Eligible students can receive up to 12 months of OPT at each education level. Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering or mathematics may also qualify for an additional 24-month extension.
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Who Will Pay The Proposed $70,000 OPT Fee?
Under the proposal, the fee would be paid by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, rather than being directly paid by the student.
Before a designated school official recommends a student for OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), the school would have to pay the required fee. USCIS would not grant employment authorisation if the school had not paid the fee.
A Designated School Official (DSO) is the authorised official at a school who handles matters related to international students and the SEVIS system. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) oversees schools and students participating in the US student visa system.
Why Has The US Proposed The New Fee?
The DHS said the proposal is intended to combat fraud and abuse, strengthen the immigration system and protect US workers. The department said it had identified cases involving problematic worksites and “pay-to-stay” visa schemes.
DHS has invited public comments on the proposed rule from October 8 to November 9. After the comment period, the department will review the feedback and may revise the proposal.
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