DHS Proposal to Establish New Optional Practical Training Fees Will Hurt U.S. Economy and Innovation

Washington, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued today the public inspection copy of a proposed rule entitled Optional Practical Training Fees. The rule proposes that higher education institutions pay a $70,000 fee for each international student the Designated School Official recommends for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT). Extensions of the student's initial OPT would cost the institution an additional $30,000 per year. OPT affords F-1 nonimmigrant students the opportunity to gain post-completion experience in their respective field of study for 12 months, or up to three years for eligible STEM graduates.

The following is a statement from Fanta Aw, PhD, Executive Director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators:

"Imposing this new fee structure on Optional Practical Training is the latest in a series of developments that creates deep uncertainty for international students. OPT enables international students to gain the same hands-on experience as their domestic peers while filling labor shortages in high-demand STEM fields and generating jobs for U.S. workers on U.S. soil. The research is clear: international students don't take opportunities from Americans, they create them. Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership."

"Together with our members across the country, we will mobilize detailed comments outlining the issues with the proposed rule."

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest and most comprehensive nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. NAFSA promotes policies that ensure the continued growth and impact of global learning, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding through study abroad, international student services, and campus internationalization. With a network of over 10,000 professionals in the field at more than 3,500 institutions in 150+ countries, NAFSA is committed to fostering a more globally connected and peaceful world.