US Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee: What It Means If You’re Planning a US Degree
Last updated: 13 Oct 2026 · Status: proposed, not in force
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a $70,000 fee for a student’s initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) and $30,000 for any later OPT period. The school would pay it, not the student. It’s only a proposal. Public comments are open until 9 Nov 2026, and the rule can change or be dropped. Nothing changes for any student today.
Contents (10)
What is OPT?
OPT is temporary US work permission linked to an F-1 student’s field of study. It can be used during studies (pre-completion) or after graduating (post-completion). Under current rules, students get up to 12 months at each degree level, and students with STEM degrees may get a further 24-month extension. Many international students use OPT as their first US job after a degree.
What exactly is proposed?
| Item | Proposal (Federal Register, 8 Oct 2026) |
|---|---|
| Initial OPT fee | $70,000 per F-1 student |
| Any subsequent OPT (for example a STEM extension) | $30,000 per F-1 student |
| Who pays | The student’s SEVP-certified school, before the school official (DSO) recommends the student for OPT |
| If the fee isn’t paid | USCIS would not grant work authorisation |
| Refunds | The school can request one if the student never received the work permit (EAD). There’s no refund once the EAD is issued |
| When it would start | 60 days after a final rule is published |
| Who it would apply to | Students whose DSO recommendation is dated on or after that effective date. DHS says it would apply going forward, not to students already on OPT |
| Docket number | ICEB-2026-0100 |
Sources: Federal Register notice, DHS press release.
Why does DHS say it wants this?
DHS says the fee would fight fraud and abuse, fund integrity checks and protect US workers. The notice says it expects schools to become more selective about which students they recommend for OPT. It also expects the number of participants to fall.
Would the school charge students?
The proposal makes the school responsible for paying. It doesn’t say whether schools may recover the cost from students through fees or tuition. If you’re applying, ask each university’s international student office directly how it would handle the fee if the rule is finalised.
What does this mean for you right now?
- Nothing changes today. The current OPT rules still apply.
- If you’re applying for Fall 2027: add a question about OPT policy to your university shortlist. Compare total cost and post-study work options across countries (see our study-abroad rules table).
- If you’re already studying in the US: follow your DSO’s guidance. As proposed, the fee would apply only to recommendations dated after a final rule takes effect.
- Keep an Indian option open too: PhD admissions and fellowships like UGC NET JRF are worth comparing.
How do I comment on the proposal?
Anyone can comment, including students and parents outside the US. The deadline is 11:59 PM ET on 9 Nov 2026, which is 10:29 AM IST on 10 Nov. 1. Go to regulations.gov. 2. Search for ICEB-2026-0100 and open the “Optional Practical Training Fees” rule. 3. Click Comment. 4. Write in English. Include the docket number, mention the section of the rule you’re commenting on, and give reasons and data. For example, explain how the fee would affect your study plans and costs. 5. Click Submit Comment.
Only online comments count. DHS says comments by email, post or hand delivery won’t be considered. A separate comment period on the paperwork (information-collection) part runs until 7 Dec 2026.
What happens next?
After 9 Nov, DHS reviews the comments and may revise the rule. If a final rule is published, it would take effect 60 days later. Court challenges are possible, but nothing has been filed that we can confirm. We’ll update this page at each step.
FAQs
Is the $70,000 OPT fee already in effect?
No. It’s a proposed rule. Comments close on 9 Nov 2026, and it would start only 60 days after a final rule is published.
Who would pay the $70,000?
The student’s school (SEVP-certified institution) would pay it before recommending the student for OPT.
Does it apply to students already on OPT?
As proposed, no. It would apply to OPT recommendations dated on or after the final rule’s effective date.
How much is the fee for a STEM OPT extension?
The proposal sets $30,000 for any subsequent OPT period, which would include a STEM extension.
How can I comment from India?
Online at regulations.gov using docket ICEB-2026-0100, by 11:59 PM ET on 9 Nov 2026 (10:29 AM IST on 10 Nov).
Sources
- Federal Register: Optional Practical Training Fees (FR Doc 2026-20660, 8 Oct 2026)
- DHS press release, 7 Oct 2026
- Study in the States: training opportunities (official)
What’s next
- 9 Nov: comments close · 7 Dec: information-collection comments close · Final rule: date not known
Related: Study-abroad rule changes 2026 · PhD admissions in India · UGC NET December 2026
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