DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee for F-1 Student OPT Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a major change to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 international students.

Under a proposed rule published on October 8, 2026, schools would be required to pay a $70,000 fee the first time an F-1 student is recommended for OPT. A $30,000 fee would apply to each subsequent OPT recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension.

For example, an F-1 student who completes 12 months of post-completion OPT and then receives a 24-month STEM OPT extension could generate $100,000 in total fees—$70,000 for the initial OPT period and another $30,000 for the STEM extension.

Who Would Pay the Fee?

Technically, the SEVP-certified school, not the student or employer, would be responsible for paying the fee before the school’s designated school official (DSO) could recommend the student for OPT.

However, DHS acknowledges that schools could pass some or all of that cost on to the F-1 student, other students, or employers.

The fee would be connected to the school’s OPT recommendation, not to a particular employer. Changing employers alone would therefore not trigger another fee.

Why Is DHS Proposing the Change?

DHS says the new fees are intended to reduce fraud and abuse in the OPT program, strengthen immigration enforcement and program integrity, and address concerns about the impact of OPT employment on U.S. workers.

Is the $70,000 OPT Fee in Effect Now?

No. This is only a proposed rule.

The new fees do not currently apply. Under the proposal, they would apply only after DHS publishes a final rule and it becomes effective. Students already participating in approved OPT, or who received their DSO recommendation before the effective date of a final rule, generally would not be subject to the new fee for that existing OPT period.

What’s Ahead

Public comments on the proposed rule are due by November 9, 2026, while comments on the related information collection are due by December 7, 2026.

After the comment periods close, DHS will review the feedback before deciding whether to issue a final rule. If finalized, the rule would take effect 60 days after publication.

This OPT fee proposal is part of a broader series of recent DHS actions affecting F-1 students.

Earlier in 2026, DHS finalized a rule that would replace the current duration of status (D/S) system for F, J, and I nonimmigrants with fixed admission periods. However, a federal court blocked that rule nationwide before it took effect.

The government has appealed, but for now the rule remains on hold and F-1 students continue to be admitted under the existing D/S framework.

What F-1 Students Should Know

For now, F-1 students may continue using the existing OPT process. However, students considering OPT or STEM OPT should closely monitor this proposal. If finalized in its current form, these fees could significantly affect whether schools are willing or able to recommend international students for practical training.

We will continue monitoring the rulemaking process and provide updates if DHS publishes a final rule.

Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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