The DHS-proposed fee for OPT has attracted massive backlash already. The new rule proposes a $70,000 fee for initial OPT authorisation, followed by $30,000 for each subsequent authorisation, such as STEM OPT.
The agency claims that the fees will combat fraud and strengthen the oversight of the OPT program. They also claim it’ll protect US workers from competition.
Analysts have revealed that implementing this new rule will pose an immense cost to US citizens. The numbers range from at least $241 million a year, to nearly $29 billion just to enforce it.
Many users on Reddit have said that this simply another attempt by the Trump administration to raise support before mid-term elections. Lawyers have called the fees ludicrous, and that is because the government isn’t trying to be legitimate.
They simply want to “make noise” before elections arrive. The fees may be struck down in court as an unlawful tax.
However, others argue that even if it is blocked, the damage to the OPT system is already done. Universities may pause their OPT recommendations based on just the proposal.
Employers will also be even more hesitant to hire OPT students due to it.
It is estimated that the fees may come into effect in February 2027, if it is not blocked by courts. However, this move has already struck another nail for international students in the US.
