The United States Department of Homeland Security, DHS, has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to participate in the country’s Optional Practical Training, OPT, programme.
The proposal is part of the latest efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration to tighten regulations surrounding foreign students and immigration.
Under the proposed rule, educational institutions would be required to pay $70,000 for each international student’s initial OPT application and $30,000 for every renewal.
The OPT programme allows eligible international students to gain temporary work experience in the United States in jobs related to their fields of study.
International students are generally eligible to work for up to one year after completing their studies through the programme, while graduates in certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, fields can qualify for an additional two years.
The proposed fees could significantly affect Nigerian students and other international students who rely on OPT to gain professional experience in the United States after graduation.
American universities also depend heavily on international students, including Nigerians and students from other countries, for tuition revenue.
Meanwhile, technology companies and other businesses rely on international graduates to fill specialised and technical positions.
Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association representing international education, said OPT provides international students with practical experience while helping employers address labour shortages, particularly in STEM-related fields.
“Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership,” Aw said in a written statement.
Trump proposes $70,000 fee, $30,000 renewal for Nigerian, other foreign students seeking jobs