WASHINGTON: The US Department of Homeland Security has proposed that international students pay at least US$70,000 in training fees if they want to work in the country, according to a government notice posted online on Wednesday, part of the Trump administration's wider crackdown on foreign visa holders.

Under the proposal, nonimmigrant students with F-1 visas would be required to pay US$70,000 to a certified institution for on-the-job training, known as Optional Practical Training (OPT), and US$30,000 for any additional work training.

DHS said the new rules were meant "to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect US workers".

Under the OPT system, foreign students can engage in work training for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, as well as for a limited time after graduation, with an additional allowance for those with degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Those who enrol are currently expected to pay around US$500.