ProposalDeadline in 9 days
US proposes a USD 70,000 per-student fee that schools would pay for OPT
Published in Federal Register (US)Oct 7, 2026Checked on the official page Oct 30
New
United StatesVisas and rules
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. Under the proposal, the school would pay USD 70,000 per student for initial OPT and USD 30,000 for any subsequent OPT, and the school's DSO could not recommend OPT until the fee is paid. It is only a proposal and has not been finalised; comments are accepted until 9 November 2026.
