US Introduces $70,000 Fee for Foreign Students in Optional Practical Training Program

The United States has unveiled a significant fee proposal of $70,000 (approximately Rs 67 lakh) aimed at foreign students wishing to engage in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This initiative allows international students to gain work experience in their field of study for one to two years following their academic programs. The fee, if implemented, will become a prerequisite for institutions certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program before they can recommend foreign students for this work opportunity.

According to the Institute of International Education, during the academic year 2024-2025, there were over 360,000 Indian students enrolled in U.S. educational institutions, with more than 140,000 of them availing themselves of the OPT program. This proposed financial hurdle could have far-reaching implications for aspiring Indian professionals who typically leverage this program to gain valuable experience in the American job market.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has indicated that this move is designed to curb what it describes as the ‘flow of cheap labor’ into the country. The proposal also seeks to ensure that American citizens have a better chance to compete for jobs. In addition to the main fee, a secondary fee of $30,000 (around Rs 29 lakh) is proposed for any subsequent participation in the OPT program. This reflects a broader concern about maintaining the integrity of the U.S. labor market and ensuring that the OPT program is not perceived as a gateway for international workers seeking permanent employment in the country.

Critics of the proposal argue that such high fees could deter many talented students from applying for the OPT program, ultimately limiting the diversity and high skill levels that international students bring to the U.S. workforce. The OPT program has been regarded as a vital bridge for international students, allowing them not only to apply their academic learning in real-world settings but also to enhance their professional skills in a global context.

While the U.S. government asserts that the program was never intended to serve as a backdoor entry for foreign labor, many stakeholders are concerned that imposing substantial fees could fundamentally alter the landscape of international student employment. The outcome of this proposal will be closely watched, especially by Indian students, as they navigate their career paths in an increasingly competitive global job market.

Source: scroll.in