US administration proposes $70,000 fee for student work training

The administration in the United States has introduced a proposal that would require international students holding F-1 visas to pay substantial fees if they wish to undertake practical work experience. Under the new measures put forward by the Department of Homeland Security, participants would need to pay $70,000 to an approved institution for their primary on-the-job training, alongside an additional $30,000 for any extra work training programmes. The regulatory changes were detailed in a government notice published online on Wednesday, 7 October 2026. Officials described the initiative as a component of wider measures targeting foreign visa holders in the country. For many years, the H-1B system has enabled young scientific and engineering professionals from international nations, notably India and China, to transition from educational programmes into the domestic workforce. Department representatives explained that the proposed regulations are designed to tackle fraudulent activities, reinforce the reliability of the immigration framework, and provide safeguards for domestic employees. The Optional Practical Training framework currently permits foreign students to participate in employment training for up to 20 hours weekly during academic terms, as well as for restricted durations following the completion of their studies.