CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Washington. Foreign students studying in the United States may face higher costs to secure jobs after completing their education. The Trump administration has proposed a new fee under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for international students.
Under the proposal, a fee of US$70,000 has been suggested for OPT for the first time, while US$30,000 has been proposed for further training or extensions. The OPT programme allows foreign students studying in the US on F-1 visas to gain practical work experience in fields related to their studies. In general, graduate students can work for up to one year, while eligible students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields may receive an additional period of training.
However, the proposed amount is not designed to be collected directly from students. Under the plan, eligible educational institutions that nominate foreign students for OPT would be required to pay the fee. Experts say such a large amount could ultimately affect students, universities and employment opportunities.
The proposal could particularly affect Indian and Chinese students, as students from both countries are present in large numbers in US higher education and the technology sector. OPT is regarded as an important pathway for many foreign students to begin working with American companies and later move towards an H-1B visa.
The US Department of Homeland Security says the proposal is aimed at preventing fraud and misuse in the programme, strengthening the credibility of the immigration system and protecting the interests of American workers. Public comments will be sought on the proposal, and a final rule is yet to be issued before it can be implemented.
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