US proposes US$70,000 fee for foreign students to work after graduation

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a rule on October 8, 2026, that would require universities and other certified schools in the United States to pay a $70,000 fee for each foreign student seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation. For subsequent OPT authorizations including STEM OPT extensions, an additional $30,000 fee would be required. Schools must cover these fees before recommending students for the program and before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services grants employment authorization. DHS argues that this move aims to prevent the exploitation of international student labor and ensures that foreign workers justify their value to employers. The proposal has significant implications for thousands of Chinese graduates who rely on OPT for post-graduation work experience in the U.S., potentially raising costs dramatically.