The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing significant new fees for F-1 students seeking employment authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT). According to an advance copy of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), the proposal is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026. The proposed rule would establish a $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation and a $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT participation.
OPT allows eligible F-1 students to gain practical work experience directly related to their academic field of study. It may be authorized before or after completion of a student’s program, subject to applicable eligibility requirements. The proposal specifically addresses OPT and does not include Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students pursuing qualifying STEM degrees may also be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension under the existing framework.
DHS states that the proposed fees are intended to support stronger oversight of the OPT program and address concerns involving fraud and misuse. The NPRM cites investigations and enforcement efforts involving allegedly fraudulent employment arrangements, including cases involving large numbers of F-1 students and employers considered highly suspect by the government. DHS also notes that the number of F-1 students receiving employment authorization for pre-completion or post-completion OPT increased from 160,627 in 2023 to 194,554 in 2024.
Under the proposal, the fees would be imposed in addition to the existing costs associated with the OPT application process. DHS states that the revenue would help support the administration and oversight of the program and argues that, without additional funding, the government may face difficulties maintaining the program under its current structure.
The proposal is not yet a final rule and does not establish these fees at this time. DHS is requesting public comments within 30 days after the NPRM is published, with a separate 60-day period for comments concerning the associated information collection requirements.
INLG will continue to monitor developments related to this proposal and its potential impact on F-1 students and employers. Because the proposal could substantially affect the cost of participating in OPT, students currently considering OPT or planning to use OPT in the future should closely monitor official updates before making decisions based on the proposed fees.