ARTICLE · 08 OCTOBER 2026
DHS Proposes $70,000 And $30,000 Fees For F-1 Optional Practical Training
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a controversial new rule requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay substantial fees—$70,000 for a student's first Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT application, including STEM extensions. With only a 30-day comment period and potential annual costs reaching up to $16.5 billion across nearly 2,500 affected institutions, the proposed regulation is expected to face significant legal challenges if finalized.
On October 8, 2026, DHS is scheduled to publish a proposed rule (Docket No. ICEB-2026-0100) requiring SEVP-certified schools to pay a $70,000 fee before a student’s first Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation and a $30,000 fee for each subsequent recommendation, including the STEM OPT extension. Comments are due 30 days after publication.
Key Provisions
- Fee structure. The $70,000 fee applies once per student, to the first OPT of any type; $30,000 applies to each later OPT.
- No fee, no EAD. DSOs may not enter an OPT recommendation in SEVIS until the fee is paid by the university, and USCIS may not grant an OPT EAD without payment.
- Effective date. Proposed 60 days after a final rule. Students on approved OPT or recommended before that date are grandfathered, but any later OPT request would be subject to the fee.
We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.
Disclaimer: This Alert has been prepared and published for informational purposes only and is not offered, nor should be construed, as legal advice. For more information, please see the firm's full disclaimer.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
View source
