Are US Work Permits For Foreign Students Now Under Threat After H-1B Visa Fee Hike?

Last Updated:September 25, 2025, 02:10 IST

US Senator Chuck Grassley urged DHS to stop work authorisations for foreign students, citing risks and competition.

The move, if implemented, would likely cover Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to halt work authorisations for foreign students in the United States, warning that they “compete against Americans” and pose security risks.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the US Senator wrote, “DHS needs 2 stop issuing work authorisations 2 student visa holders who compete against Americans. It’s in direct violation of law & puts USA at risk of tech and corporate espionage. I sent a letter 2 DHS Scty Noem asking her to end work authorisations 4 foreign student visa holders.”

The move, if implemented, would likely cover Optional Practical Training (OPT)- a program that allows international students to work in the US for 12 to 36 months after completing their degree. OPT has long been seen as a critical pathway for students seeking US careers, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Under current rules, foreign students on F-1 visas are not permitted to work off-campus in their first academic year, but can apply for work authorisation through OPT or Curricular Practical Training (CPT). OPT provides up to 12 months of work authorisation, with an additional 24-month extension for STEM graduates while CPT allows internships or practical training tied to coursework. Applications require approval from the student’s university and US immigration authorities, and jobs must be directly related to the student’s field of study.

Chuck Grassley’s remarks come days after the Donald Trump administration introduced sweeping changes to the H-1B visa system- raising the fee for new H-1B petitions to $100,000, effective September 21. Previously, fees for such petitions ranged between $2,000 and $5,000, but the administration said the fee hike is aimed at protecting American workers, curbing “systemic abuse” of the program and prioritizing highly skilled professionals.

Indian nationals, who make up the largest share of H-1B recipients, are expected to be disproportionately impacted. Indian IT firms in particular face higher costs due to lower average wages compared to major tech firms. Some US technology companies and startups have warned that the change will make it harder to attract foreign talent.

Healthcare groups fear staffing shortages, especially in rural areas, where foreign doctors on H-1B visas are critical.

Meanwhile, other nations, including China and Germany, are moving to attract talent amid uncertainty over US immigration policies.

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