Trump's OPT Fee Hike: What Indian Students Need to Know

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a massive hike in Optional Practical Training (OPT) fees for F-1 students, from $500 to $70,000. This move could have significant implications for Indian students who rely on OPT to gain US work experience after completing their degrees.

What happened

The proposed fees would require F-1 students to pay at least $70,000 to a certified institution for on-the-job training through OPT, while any additional work training would carry a fee of $30,000. This represents a sharp increase from the current $500 fee.

The proposed fees are intended to strengthen oversight of the OPT system and ensure that employers, students, and educational institutions comply with immigration requirements, according to DHS.

OPT is a work-based training program that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. The program is designed to help students transition from education to employment in the US.

The proposed fees would apply to all F-1 students, including those from India, who are seeking to participate in the OPT program.

Why it matters

The OPT program has long served as a bridge between studying at a US university and entering the country's skilled-worker system, including through the H-1B visa program. The proposed fee hike could add a substantial financial hurdle for international students, including Indians, who are seeking to transition from education into employment.

The H-1B visa program is a popular pathway for Indian IT professionals to work in the US. However, the program has faced increased scrutiny in recent years, with the Trump administration proposing changes to the program, including higher fees and stricter eligibility requirements.

The proposed OPT fee hike could have a ripple effect on the H-1B visa program, making it more difficult for Indian students to gain US work experience and eventually secure an H-1B visa.

What it means for you

The proposed change could impact Indian students who are planning to pursue higher education in the US and seek work experience through OPT. The increased fees could make it more difficult for them to gain US work experience, which is essential for their future careers.

Indian students who are planning to participate in the OPT program should carefully review the proposed fees and consider the potential impact on their career goals.

What happens next

The proposal is not yet final, and DHS will allow 30 days for public comments before deciding whether to issue the rule in its final form. If finalized, the department will wait another 60 days before implementing the new requirements, giving schools, students, and employers time to prepare.

Indian students who are affected by the proposed fee hike should submit comments to DHS during the public comment period to express their concerns and suggestions.

By the numbers

• $70,000: Proposed fee for on-the-job training through OPT
• $30,000: Proposed fee for additional work training
• $500: Current OPT fee
• 20 hours: Maximum number of hours F-1 students can work per week while school is in session
• 60 days: Timeframe for schools, students, and employers to prepare for the new requirements
• 30 days: Public comment period for the proposed rule

Expert perspective

Dr. Rajesh Bhattacharya, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and an expert on international education, said that the proposed fee hike could have a significant impact on Indian students who are seeking to gain US work experience.

Read also: Mumbai Redevelopment Explained: Impact on India

"The proposed fee hike could make it more difficult for Indian students to participate in the OPT program, which is essential for their future careers," Dr. Bhattacharya said. "Indian students who are planning to pursue higher education in the US should carefully review the proposed fees and consider the potential impact on their career goals."

Background

The OPT program was established in 1947 to provide F-1 students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study. The program allows students to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and receive a limited period of work authorization after graduation.

Over the years, the OPT program has become an essential pathway for international students, including Indians, to gain US work experience and eventually secure an H-1B visa.

Timeline

The proposed fee hike is the latest move by the Trump administration to tighten rules governing foreign visa holders. Here's a timeline of key events:

• 1947: The OPT program was established to provide F-1 students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study.
• 2017: The Trump administration proposed changes to the H-1B visa program, including higher fees and stricter eligibility requirements.
• 2020: The proposed OPT fee hike was announced by the DHS.

Implications for Indian students

The proposed fee hike could have significant implications for Indian students who are seeking to gain US work experience. The increased fees could make it more difficult for them to participate in the OPT program, which is essential for their future careers.

Indian students who are planning to pursue higher education in the US should carefully review the proposed fees and consider the potential impact on their career goals.

What to watch next

The proposal is not yet final, and DHS will allow 30 days for public comments before deciding whether to issue the rule in its final form. If finalized, the department will wait another 60 days before implementing the new requirements, giving schools, students, and employers time to prepare.

Indian students who are affected by the proposed fee hike should submit comments to DHS during the public comment period to express their concerns and suggestions.