The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has proposed imposing a fee of as much as $70,000 on international students who wish to work within the United States through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, in a new move as part of President Donald Trump's administration to tighten procedures related to foreign visa holders, according to a government announcement Wednesday. Under the proposal, international students holding F-1 visas would have to pay $70,000 to an accredited institution to participate in a program that allows them to gain practical experience in the United States, in addition to $30,000 for each additional practical training program. The Department of Homeland Security justified its proposal by saying that its purpose is to "fight fraud, improve the integrity of the immigration system, and protect American workers." The optional engineer program allows foreign students to work up to 20 hours per week during their studies, as well as for a limited period after graduation, with further extensions for graduates of science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors. The offer is a huge increase compared to the current fee for participating in the program, which is about $500. Contact us to get all the new updates