US Proposes Steep Fees for Foreign Students Working in America
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The Trump administration has proposed a new fee of $70,000 for international students to participate in a program allowing them to work in the U.S. after graduation, with potential additional fees bringing the total to $100,000. This plan, which could impact thousands of Israelis studying in the U.S., requires educational institutions to pay the fee before recommending students for work authorization. The Department of Homeland Security claims the measure will protect American jobs and prevent fraud, while critics worry about the financial burden on students and employers. The proposal is open for public comment until November 9.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for international students' work program.
- An additional $30,000 fee could bring the total cost for students to $100,000.
- Thousands of Israeli students in the U.S. could be affected by the proposed fees.
- Institutions must pay the fee before recommending students for work authorization.
- The administration claims the measure aims to protect American jobs and prevent fraud.
- Public comments on the proposal are due by November 9.
The Trump administration is proposing a new fee structure that could significantly increase costs for international students seeking work experience in the United States, including thousands of Israelis. The Department of Homeland Security has submitted a plan that would require educational institutions to pay $70,000 per student to participate in a program allowing foreign students to work in their field of study. While institutions can pass this cost onto students or employers, it is expected that students will ultimately bear the financial burden.
An additional fee of $30,000 is proposed for an extension of this program, known as Optional Practical Training (OPT). This program typically allows F-1 visa holders to obtain temporary work authorization related to their studies for up to one year after graduation. Graduates in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) are usually eligible for a two-year automatic extension. Under the proposed rules, a student utilizing both the initial OPT period and the extension could face total fees of $100,000.
For Israeli students finishing their degrees in the U.S. and aiming to gain professional experience before returning home, this represents a substantial additional expense on top of tuition and living costs. If institutions pass the cost to students, they would need to secure funding before even receiving work authorization. If employers are asked to pay, it could make it harder for entry-level graduates to secure jobs.
Approximately 3,000 Israelis were enrolled in U.S. higher education institutions and the post-graduation work program during the 2024/25 academic year, with many participating in OPT. The proposal requires institutions to pay the fee before they can recommend a student for the program, a necessary step for applying to U.S. immigration authorities for work approval. The fee would be collected upon entering the program, even for work during studies, and would not be tied to a specific employer.
The Department of Homeland Security stated the plan aims to protect American workers and combat fraud, arguing that the program has been exploited to provide cheap foreign labor. They claim the fee will encourage institutions to vet candidates more thoroughly. The proposal is set to be published in the Federal Register, with a public comment period closing on November 9. Final rules would take effect 60 days after their final publication.
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