Content overview: “US Colleges Face $70,000 Fee to Recommend International Graduates for Work Authorization”. A new Department of Homeland Security proposal could force US colleges and universities to pay a fee of up to $70,000 before they can recommend international graduates for work authorization under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. The proposal, which has not yet been finalized, would shift a significant financial burden onto higher education institutions that sponsor international students for post-graduation employment. If implemented, the fee could strain university budgets, particularly those with large international student populations, and potentially discourage schools from supporting OPT applications.
This matters because OPT is a key pathway for international students to gain US work experience after graduation, and the US competes globally for top talent. The proposed fee comes amid broader immigration policy shifts that could reshape the landscape for international education. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.