Proposed Student Work Fees Raised Hiring Uncertainty
Proposed fees and stricter internship eligibility rules create new planning challenges for businesses that hire international talent.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Internships
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Employers face increasing complexity in hiring international students as federal guidance narrows Curricular Practical Training eligibility and a $70,000 fee is proposed for Optional Practical Training. These changes have led universities like Northwestern to pause program requests while students navigate shifting employment requirements.
Why it matters
Uncertainty surrounding internship access threatens the pipeline of international talent for businesses that rely on students for technical and specialized roles. The evolving federal landscape forces companies to reassess the long-term feasibility of internship programs that utilize these visa pathways.
The federal government has proposed a $70,000 fee for specific students participating in Optional Practical Training. The policy remains a proposal and has not yet been finalized.
The players
Northwestern University
A private research university that holds a significant role in technical and professional education.
Purdue University
A public research university known for its engineering and technology programs.
The details
New federal guidance has prompted a narrower interpretation of program eligibility for Curricular Practical Training, which requires that training be central and strictly required for a student's curriculum. Northwestern University responded to this shift by placing a hold on all CPT requests in August. These restrictions create operational hurdles for businesses that integrate student interns into their standard workflows, as firms must now account for stricter documentation and potential cost barriers for these hires.
Timeline
March 2026: Purdue University rejected allegations of restrictive admissions policies.
August 2026: Northwestern University placed a hold on Curricular Practical Training requests.
October 7, 2026: The administration suggested a $70,000 fee for students in Optional Practical Training.
Market Landscape
The proposed fee structure marks a significant shift in the administration of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program framework. This development follows years of debate regarding student visa access and international enrollment policies at major research institutions.
Operators who rely on international student pipelines should prepare for increased administrative burdens and potential cost escalations when onboarding interns. Consult with legal counsel to review how your firm's specific internship visa requirements align with the current federal environment.
The takeaway
The uncertainty surrounding student visa programs necessitates a more flexible approach to internship recruitment and talent acquisition. Keep monitoring federal guidance and internal university policy shifts at your partner schools to ensure your hiring process remains compliant and uninterrupted.
Further reading
For context on how current hiring policies affect your workforce, read more about Internships.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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Should universities actively help international students bypass federal barriers to internships and work programs?
