U S proposes $70,000 fees for Nigerians, other foreign students

U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday said that the latest proposed rule “If finalised, would implement new fees for F-1 nonimmigrant students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization connected to a student’s field of study.”

It added, “The proposed rule would establish a $70,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for initial OPT and a $30,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for any subsequent OPT.”

The DHS said the proposed fees were aimed at reducing “the flow of cheap labor into the United States and make it easier for American citizens to compete in the job market and to combat fraud and abuse, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers.”

The DHS said it would welcome public comments and inputs on the proposed rule from October 8 through November 9. Additionally, the Paperwork Reduction Act section of the rule will have a 60-day public comment period.

According to DHS, “Existing federal regulations allow eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students to engage in OPT if the OPT is directly related to the student’s major area of study. To participate, F-1 nonimmigrant students must receive a recommendation from their designated school official (DSO) and apply for employment authorization with U.S.”

However, the new rule was proposed in response to fraud and abuse identified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

“As more F-1 nonimmigrant students have participated in OPT, SEVP has encountered schools, designated school officials, employers, and F-1 nonimmigrant students engaged in schemes to exploit current regulations, including problematic worksites and “pay-to-stay” visa schemes,” the DHS said.

It added, “The proposed fees would encourage schools to exercise greater oversight and selectivity when recommending F-1 nonimmigrant students for OPT, helping reduce fraud and strengthen program integrity.”