Archive · 8 Oct 2026
DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee for Students Seeking OPT
The US government has proposed new fees connected to a work programme for some international students.
The programme is called Optional Practical Training, or OPT.
It lets eligible F-1 students work in jobs related to what they studied.
The proposed fee is $70,000 for a student's first OPT and $30,000 for later OPT.
Schools, rather than students directly, would have to pay the fee before recommending a student.
A separate report says schools may pass the cost on to students.
DHS says the fees could help reduce cheating and protect US workers.
The public can comment on the proposal, and DHS may change it after reviewing those comments.
The Department of Homeland Security proposed fees of $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT.
OPT allows eligible F-1 students to work in jobs related to their field of study.
DHS says the fees would address fraud and abuse, strengthen oversight, and protect US workers.
Under the proposal, SEVP-certified schools would pay before recommending students; USCIS would not approve work authorisation if the fee remained unpaid.
Public comments are invited from October 8 through November 9, and DHS may revise the proposal after reviewing them.
- Who
- The Department of Homeland Security proposed the rule affecting F-1 students and SEVP-certified schools.
- What
- A proposed $70,000 fee for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT.
- When
- The public comment period runs from October 8 through November 9; the articles do not specify the year.
- Where
- The United States.
- Why
- DHS says the fees would address fraud and abuse, strengthen programme oversight, and protect US workers.
DHS rationale
Potential cost to students
Purpose and effects of the fees
DHS rationale
DHS says the fees would help combat fraud and abuse, strengthen programme oversight, and protect US workers.
Potential cost to students
A report says the fee would be charged to educational institutions, but that costs are likely to be passed on to students. The articles do not include direct comments from students or schools.
- Initial OPT fee proposed
- $70,000 per F-1 student
- Subsequent OPT fee proposed
- $30,000 per F-1 student
- Who would pay
- SEVP-certified schools would pay before recommending students for OPT.
- Work eligibility
- OPT employment must be related to the student's field of study.
- OPT duration
- Eligible students may receive up to 12 months at each education level; eligible STEM graduates may receive an additional 24-month extension.
- Comment period
- October 8 through November 9; comments on the Paperwork Reduction Act section are sought for 60 days.
- Fee destination
- DHS says collected fees would be deposited in the Treasury of the United States.
