The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students seeking to participate in the country’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, a move that could affect Nigerian students and other foreign graduates hoping to gain work experience in the US.

Under the proposal, schools would be required to pay $70,000 for each student’s initial OPT application and $30,000 for every renewal.

OPT allows eligible international students to work in the United States in positions related to their fields of study after graduation. Students are typically permitted to undertake up to one year of OPT, while those who graduate in qualifying STEM disciplines can receive an additional two years.

DHS said the proposed fees are intended to curb fraud and misuse of the programme, which the department has described as a channel for accessing cheap foreign labour.

The proposal, however, has drawn concerns from higher education and business groups, who warn that the steep fees could discourage international students from studying in the United States and make it more difficult for American companies to recruit skilled workers.

Fanta Aw, Chief Executive Officer of NAFSA, said OPT provides international students with valuable practical experience while helping employers address labour shortages.

She warned that restricting access to the programme could have wider consequences for the US economy and workforce.

“Driving away the talents, perspectives, and aspirations of international students will only hurt American innovation, economic growth, workforce development, and global leadership,” Aw said.

The proposed rule will be open to public comments for 60 days before DHS decides whether to adopt it.

If implemented, the measure could significantly alter the post-graduation work options available to thousands of international students, including Nigerians, who rely on OPT to gain professional experience in the United States.

The proposal could also face legal challenges from higher education institutions and business groups.