The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a new rule that would require educational institutions to pay $70,000 for each student’s initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) application and $30,000 for each subsequent application or extension. This proposal, announced on October 8, 2026, could affect Nigerian and other international students hoping to gain professional experience in the United States after completing their studies. The OPT programme allows eligible international students holding F-1 visas to work in the United States in jobs related to their fields of study.
The proposed fees are intended to address fraud and abuse, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect American workers. DHS described OPT as a “pipeline for cheap foreign labor,” arguing that the programme should not be used to provide employers with access to lower-cost foreign workers at the expense of US citizens. The proposal is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration rules and increase scrutiny of international students and foreign workers.
The proposal has drawn criticism from organisations representing international education. Fanta Aw, chief executive officer of NAFSA: Association of International Educators, expressed concerns that the substantial fees could discourage institutions from recommending international graduates for employment. Aw said OPT helps international graduates gain practical experience while supporting employers facing labour shortages, particularly in STEM industries.
US colleges and universities also recruit international students as an important source of tuition revenue, while several industries depend on international graduates to fill specialised positions. The proposal could influence how universities assess international students’ post-graduation employment opportunities, particularly if institutions are reluctant or unable to absorb the additional costs.
Although the proposed rule places the payment obligation on schools, institutions could reconsider their participation in the programme or how they manage the associated costs. For Nigerian students considering studying in the United States, the proposal is another development to monitor when weighing tuition costs, post-study employment opportunities, and longer-term career plans.
Higher education organisations and business groups could challenge the OPT proposal if it is finalised. Doug Rand, a former senior adviser at US Citizenship and Immigration Services, predicted that the proposed fee could face legal challenges. Rand compared the proposal with the Trump administration’s $100,000 fee for certain H-1B work visa petitions, which has also attracted legal scrutiny.
The public will have 60 days to submit comments before the department decides whether to finalise the proposal. The final impact will depend on whether DHS adopts the proposal and how universities, employers, and the courts respond. If approved, the proposal could have significant implications for international students, including those from Nigeria, who wish to gain practical experience in the United States after completing their studies.
Key points
- The proposed $70,000 fee for OPT applications could discourage institutions from recommending international graduates for employment.
- The proposal is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration rules and increase scrutiny of international students and foreign workers.
- Higher education organisations and business groups could challenge the OPT proposal if it is finalised.
