Trump administration proposes $70,000 work permit fee for Nigerian, other foreign students

President Donald Trump’s administration has proposed fees of up to $70,000 for international students, including Nigerians, seeking temporary employment authorisation under the F-1 visa programme.

According to Peoples Gazette, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the proposal on Wednesday as part of changes to the Optional Practical Training programme.

The DHS said the rule, “If finalised, would implement new fees for F-1 nonimmigrant students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary employment authorization connected to a student’s field of study.”

It added, “The proposed rule would establish a $70,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for initial OPT and a $30,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for any subsequent OPT.”

DHS said the measure is intended to reduce “the flow of cheap labor into the United States” and combat fraud and abuse.

Public comments on the proposal will be accepted from October 8 through November 9 before further consideration.