US proposes $70,000 fee for international students' first OPT participation

The United States has proposed introducing a $70,000 fee for international students participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme for the first time. OPT allows foreign graduates to work in the US for a specified period after completing their studies.

The proposed fee structure would apply to students seeking to enter the OPT programme initially. This move, if implemented, would significantly increase the cost burden on international students looking to gain practical work experience in the United States.

The proposal is part of broader discussions around immigration and work visa policies affecting international talent in the US. International students, including those from India, form a substantial portion of the OPT participant base, making this policy shift relevant to education and career planning discussions.