The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a $70,000 fee for international students who want to take part in work training in the country, adding another major restriction for foreign visa holders under the Trump administration. The proposal was outlined in a government notice posted online on Wednesday.

Under the proposed rules, students holding F-1 nonimmigrant visas would have to pay $70,000 to a certified institution for Optional Practical Training (OPT). They would also have to pay $30,000 for any additional work training. The proposal marks a sharp increase from the current cost of joining the OPT programme, which is around $500.

DHS said the new fees would "combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect US workers." The agency said the fee would ensure that students, employers and institutions take part in training activities that match the conditions of admission for F-1 visa holders.

OPT allows foreign students to gain practical work experience while studying and after graduation. Students can work for up to 20 hours a week while their academic programme is in session. They can also receive limited work authorisation after completing their studies. Students with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can qualify for an extended training period.

The proposed fee could create a major financial hurdle for international students seeking to gain work experience in the US. For many foreign graduates, OPT also provides an important route towards longer-term employment in the country.

The programme often acts as a bridge for students hoping to move to H-1B visas. The Trump administration has also introduced higher fees and other restrictions targeting the H-1B programme. For decades, the visa route has helped engineers, scientists and other skilled professionals from countries such as India and China move from US universities into high-paying jobs.

Major US technology companies have relied heavily on H-1B workers to fill skilled positions. The programme has also offered many foreign graduates a possible path towards permanent residency.

The proposed OPT fee comes despite President Donald Trump's comments during his 2024 election campaign. Trump had said he wanted to make it easier for foreign students to remain in the US. He had suggested that international students could automatically receive Green Cards after graduating from US universities.

The proposed rule is expected to face legal challenges. Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, which works to attract foreign STEM professionals, wrote on LinkedIn on Wednesday: "This ⁠proposed rule isn't going to fare well in the courts, just as the 100k H-1B fee and other restrictionist policies have been struck down."

DHS will accept public comments on the proposal for 30 days before deciding whether to finalise it. If approved, the agency said it would wait another 60 days before implementing the rule. The delay would give universities, students and employers time to prepare for the new requirements.