2 hrs ago
Trump Administration Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for F-1 Students
The U.S. government has proposed a much higher fee for some international students who want work training related to their studies.
Students on F-1 visas could have to pay $70,000 for OPT, and additional training would have a proposed $30,000 fee.
Students currently pay about $500 to participate.
OPT lets eligible students gain work experience while studying or for a limited time after graduation.
Some graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can qualify for more work authorization.
The government says the fees would help prevent fraud and protect U.S. workers.
Critics say the proposal could face legal challenges.
It is not final, and people can comment on it for 30 days.
If approved, DHS says it would wait another 60 days before putting the rules into effect.
DHS proposed a $70,000 fee for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training, plus $30,000 for additional work training.
The proposed initial fee is a steep increase from the roughly $500 students currently pay to participate in OPT.
DHS says the fees would combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, protect U.S. workers and ensure compliance with F-1 admission rules.
OPT permits eligible students to gain work experience during or after their studies; some STEM graduates can qualify for additional work authorization.
The proposal faces a 30-day public comment period; if approved, DHS says implementation would follow after a 60-day delay.
- Who
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed the fees for international students on F-1 visas.
- What
- A proposed $70,000 fee for OPT and $30,000 for additional work training.
- Where
- United States
- When
- The proposal was reported on October 8, 2026; it will undergo a 30-day public comment period.
- Why
- DHS says the fees would combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, protect U.S. workers and ensure OPT activities comply with F-1 admission rules.
DHS rationale
Criticism and concerns
Purpose and effect of the fees
DHS rationale
DHS says the fees would combat fraud, strengthen oversight and immigration-system integrity, ensure compliance with F-1 rules, and protect U.S. workers.
Criticism and concerns
The proposed increase from about $500 to $70,000 could impose a substantial financial hurdle on students seeking U.S. work experience.
Legal viability
DHS rationale
DHS has proposed the measure and will consider public comments before deciding whether to finalize it.
Criticism and concerns
Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, said the proposed rule could face legal challenges and predicted it would not fare well in court.
Access to work pathways
DHS rationale
DHS says the fee would help ensure OPT participants engage in activities consistent with their F-1 admission.
Criticism and concerns
The articles describe OPT as a bridge to skilled employment, including the H-1B program; a high fee could make that transition more difficult for international graduates.
Key facts
- Proposed OPT fee
- $70,000
- Proposed additional training fee
- $30,000
- Current approximate participation cost
- $500
- Public comment period
- 30 days
- Proposed implementation delay
- 60 days after approval
- OPT during school
- Eligible students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
- STEM graduates
- Some graduates in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can qualify for additional work authorization
- Rule status
- Proposed; not final
Quotes
US Department of Homeland Security
The federal agency proposing the student work-training fees.
“DHS is now setting a fee to ensure employers, students, and institutions are engaging in appropriate activities consistent with admission as an F-1 nonimmigrant.”
news18.com
“to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect US workers.”
livemint.com
Doug Rand
Director of the Talent Mobility Fund.
“This proposed rule isn’t going to fare well in the courts.”
news18.com
Sources
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