DHS Proposes Hefty OPT Fees for Schools: $70,000 Initial, $30,000 Subsequent – Major Impact on F-1 Students Looming
Summary
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is reportedly set to propose a rule on October 7, 2026, introducing substantial fees for Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified schools to recommend F-1 students for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This includes a $70,000 fee for an initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for subsequent ones, representing an unprecedented financial burden for educational institutions. While these fees are levied on schools, the costs will almost certainly be passed on to international students, potentially drastically altering access to post-graduation work opportunities and increasing the overall expense of studying in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is slated to propose a groundbreaking rule on October 7, 2026, which would impose significant new fees on Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools. Specifically, these institutions would be required to pay $70,000 before recommending an F-1 student for their initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, and an additional $30,000 for each subsequent OPT recommendation. These exorbitant fees, if implemented, represent a dramatic shift in how the U.S. government funds and regulates the OPT program, placing a substantial financial strain directly on educational providers. The proposed rule signals a move towards shifting program costs from government coffers to the educational sector, which will inevitably impact international students.
The practical impact of these proposed fees for international students and the broader immigration landscape is potentially severe. Schools, facing tens of thousands of dollars in new costs per student, are highly likely to pass these expenses on, either through significantly increased tuition for international students or by limiting the number of F-1 students they recommend for OPT. This could drastically reduce the accessibility of post-graduation work experience, making the U.S. a less attractive destination for global talent and potentially forcing some students to reconsider their educational paths or even their choice of country for higher education.
Background
Optional Practical Training (OPT) has long been a vital component of the F-1 student visa program, allowing international graduates to gain practical experience in their field of study in the United States. While OPT has faced scrutiny and adjustments over the years, particularly regarding its duration and STEM extensions, fees have traditionally been associated with the student's application to USCIS, not the school's recommendation.
Who This Affects
- F-1 students currently studying or planning to study in the U.S. will likely face significantly higher education costs or reduced opportunities for post-graduation work experience due to schools passing on the proposed fees.
- SEVP-certified academic institutions will bear the direct financial burden of these new, exorbitant fees, potentially forcing them to re-evaluate their international student programs and support services.
- U.S. employers across various sectors, particularly those relying on a pipeline of international talent in STEM fields, may find it harder to recruit and retain skilled graduates as OPT becomes less accessible or more costly.
What You Should Do Now
- Actively monitor updates from DHS and reliable immigration news sources regarding this proposed rule, including any official public comment periods.
- Engage with your university's international student office to understand their stance, potential strategies to mitigate impact, and how to participate in collective advocacy.
- Consider joining or supporting student organizations and professional associations that advocate for international student rights and are likely to lobby against such prohibitive fees.
Key Takeaway
This proposed rule signals a potentially massive shift in OPT accessibility and costs for future international students, emphasizing the need for active monitoring and advocacy against prohibitive fees.
Source: Read official article on Murthy Law Firm
Publisher note — NaviBound summarizes cited third-party sources for convenience only. Confirm all requirements with the linked official announcement and qualified professionals. Not legal advice. Display date: Oct 07, 2026. Editorial policy