Archive · 8 Oct 2026
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 connected to their studies.
Students with F-1 visas could have to pay $70,000 for OPT through a certified institution.
Additional work training would have a proposed $30,000 fee.
Students currently pay about $500 to participate in OPT.
The program lets eligible students work while studying or for a limited time after graduation.
Some students who studied science, technology, engineering or math may qualify for extra work authorization.
DHS says the fees would help prevent fraud and protect U.S. workers.
The proposal is not final, and the public can comment for 30 days.
If DHS finalizes it, the agency says it will wait 60 days before the rules take effect.
A critic, Doug Rand, has said the proposal could face legal challenges.
DHS proposed a $70,000 fee for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training through a certified institution, plus $30,000 for additional work training.
The proposed $70,000 fee would be a sharp increase from the roughly $500 students currently pay to participate in OPT.
DHS says the fees aim to combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, protect U.S. workers and ensure compliance with F-1 requirements.
OPT allows eligible students to work up to 20 hours weekly while school is in session and for a limited period after graduation; some STEM graduates may qualify for more authorization.
The proposal is open to public comments for 30 days; if finalized, DHS says it would wait 60 days before implementation.
- Who
- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed the fees for international students with F-1 visas.
- What
- A proposed $70,000 fee for OPT training and $30,000 for additional work training.
- When
- The proposal was reported on October 8, 2026; it will have a 30-day public comment period.
- Where
- United States
- Why
- DHS says the fees are intended to combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, protect U.S. workers and ensure activities comply with F-1 admission requirements.
DHS rationale
Criticism and concerns
Purpose and impact of the fees
DHS rationale
DHS says the fees would combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, protect U.S. workers and ensure compliance with F-1 admission rules.
Criticism and concerns
The proposed jump from roughly $500 to $70,000 could create a substantial financial hurdle for students seeking U.S. work experience.
Legal viability
DHS rationale
DHS is seeking public comments before deciding whether to finalize the proposal.
Criticism and concerns
Doug Rand of the Talent Mobility Fund said the proposed rule would not fare well in court and could face legal challenges.
- Proposed OPT fee
- $70,000
- Proposed fee for additional work training
- $30,000
- Current approximate OPT participation cost
- $500
- Public comment period
- 30 days
- Proposed implementation delay
- 60 days after finalization
- OPT work while school is in session
- Up to 20 hours per week for eligible students
- Rule status
- Proposed; not final
- Potential legal challenge
- Doug Rand, director of the Talent Mobility Fund, said the proposal could face legal challenges.
Sources
Trump administration proposes huge OPT fee hike from $500 to $70,000 for F-1 students seeking to work in US
Trump administration proposes USD70,000 fee for US international student work permit - Telegraph India
