On October 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed significant new fees for F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT). Under a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026, DHS proposes a $70,000 fee for initial OPT and a $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT.
Importantly, these fees are not currently in effect. This is a proposed rule that must proceed through the federal rulemaking process before it can become final. DHS is accepting public comments through November 9, 2026.
DHS Is Proposing:
- A $70,000 fee would apply for an F-1 student’s initial OPT.
- A $30,000 fee would apply to subsequent OPT.
- The Federal Register describes the fees as applying to F-1 students engaging in OPT through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution.
DHS states that the proposed fees are intended to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers.
Who Would Pay the Fee?
Under the proposal, universities would pay the new fee when recommending the student for OPT but would be permitted to recoup the cost from the student or the employer.
If implemented, the proposal could therefore significantly increase the cost associated with OPT for international students, universities, and employers that rely on F-1 graduates as part of their U.S. workforce. The rule is currently only a proposal. DHS published the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on October 8, 2026, and comments are due by November 9, 2026. DHS will review properly submitted comments and may revise the proposal based on public feedback. Accordingly, F-1 students seeking OPT are not currently required to pay the proposed $70,000 or $30,000 fees.
What Should Employers and F-1 Students Do Now?
Employers, universities, and F-1 students should monitor the rulemaking closely. Because the proposal could substantially change the economics of employing F-1 graduates through OPT, employers with international student populations may want to evaluate how the proposal could affect workforce planning if a final rule is ultimately issued.
