US DHS proposal to hike H-1B, OPT fees draws public backlash

The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed significant fee increases for H-1B visas and Optional Practical Training (OPT), with initial OPT fees up to $70,000 and subsequent fees of $30,000, sparking public comments. The proposal, if enacted, would raise barriers for international students and workers, potentially affecting US tech talent supply and higher education competitiveness. The final rule is pending, with uncertainty over implementation timeline and scope.