Archive · 8 Oct 2026
US Proposes $70,000 Fee for First-Time International Student OPT
The US has proposed a new fee for schools and other educational institutions when international students join a work programme after studying.
The programme is called OPT.
Under the proposal, an institution would pay $70,000 the first time a student takes part.
It would pay $30,000 for each later renewal.
OPT lets students with F-1 visas work in jobs connected to what they studied.
Most students can work for up to one year.
Students who studied science, technology, engineering or mathematics may be able to work for up to three years.
The proposal could affect Indian students who want to study and work in the US.
The US Department of Homeland Security proposed a $70,000 fee for an institution when a student first participates in OPT.
Institutions would pay $30,000 for each subsequent renewal under the proposed rule.
OPT allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the US after completing their studies.
Most eligible students can work for up to one year in jobs related to their field of study.
STEM graduates may receive an extension, allowing up to three years of OPT; the proposal could affect Indian students.
- Who
- The US Department of Homeland Security proposed the rule; it would require educational institutions to pay fees for international students participating in OPT.
- What
- A proposed $70,000 fee for a student's first OPT participation and $30,000 for each subsequent renewal.
- When
- The proposal was issued on Wednesday; the article does not specify the date.
- Where
- United States
- First participation fee
- $70,000, payable by the educational institution under the proposal
- Subsequent renewal fee
- $30,000 per renewal
- Programme
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Eligible visa holders
- International students on F-1 visas
- Typical OPT period
- Up to one year in work related to the student's field of study
- STEM extension
- May extend the total OPT period to three years
- Indian student enrollment
- More than 363,000 Indian students enrolled in US institutions in the 2024–25 academic year