New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- The Trump administration's proposal to impose a $70,000 fee for initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) has put a spotlight on a programme widely used by international students seeking to gain work experience in the United States after completing their studies.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed charging $70,000 for each F-1 student seeking initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. DHS says the move is aimed at tackling fraud and abuse, strengthening the integrity of the immigration system and protecting US workers.

Here is what the proposed change means and how the OPT system works.

Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is a temporary employment programme for eligible F-1 internationa...