New
United StatesVisas and rules
US DHS proposes new fees for F-1 students' OPT
- Officially announced
- Oct 7, 2026
- Effective from
- Not confirmed
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
Deadline in 17 daysNov 9, 2026
- Country
- United States
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- F-1 students in the US who plan to work on OPT before or after graduation, and people considering studying at a US college or university (it may affect plans to work after study).
- Effective date
- Not confirmed
- Deadline
- Nov 9, 2026
On 7 October 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule to introduce new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which lets F-1 students work during or after their studies. The proposal sets USD 70,000 per student for initial OPT and USD 30,000 for any subsequent OPT. It is only a proposal and has not been finalised; comments are accepted until 9 November 2026.
federalregister.gov (external site)
What changed
The proposed rule published in the Federal Register on 8 October 2026 sets, per F-1 student, "$70,000 for initial OPT; and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT".
According to DHS, the fee would be paid by the school before its Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS. DHS says USCIS would not grant employment authorization if the school has not paid the fee.
The DHS announcement does not say whether a separate amount applies to the STEM OPT extension.
Who it applies to
- F-1 students in the US who plan to work on OPT before or after graduation, and people considering studying at a US college or university (it may affect plans to work after study).
When it applies
- Oct 7, 2026Officially announced
- Nov 9, 2026Deadline
Announced by DHS on 7 October 2026. Published in the Federal Register on 8 October 2026. Public comments until 9 November 2026 (Federal Register: "Comments must be received on or before November 9, 2026.").
Effective date: not set (it would only take effect if the rule is finalised).
Exceptions
This is a proposed rule. DHS says it may change the content after considering public comments. OPT fees have not changed at this point.
Show details
When a final rule will be issued and which applications it would cover have not been announced.
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- If you plan to use OPT, ask your university's international student office (DSO) for guidance on this proposed rule.
- 2.
- Check the DHS announcement and the Federal Register page for the latest status.
- 3.
- If you want to comment, you can submit comments by 9 November using the method on the Federal Register page.
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
federalregister.gov (external site)
