The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), the program that lets F-1 international students gain work experience in the United States during and after their studies. The proposal was published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026.
Note: This is a proposed rule, not a final rule. Always check the official Federal Register notice and your school's international student office for the latest information.
If you are studying in the US, or planning to, it is natural to feel uncertain when news like this breaks. The most important thing to know is that nothing has changed yet. OPT is still in place, and this proposal would have several steps to go through before any decision is made.
What DHS Has Proposed
- $70,000 for initial OPT: A fee for each F-1 student's first period of OPT.
- $30,000 for any later OPT: A fee for each additional OPT period, which legal analysts say would include STEM OPT extensions.
- Paid by schools: The fees would apply to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools that recommend students for OPT, not directly to students or employers. Legal analysts note that the proposal does not stop schools from passing costs on.
- Current OPT protected: Students who are already on OPT, already approved for OPT, or already recommended for OPT before a final rule takes effect would not be affected.
- Stated purpose: DHS says the fees are intended to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect US workers.
What Happens Next
In the US, a proposed rule goes through several stages before it can take effect, and many proposals are changed, delayed, or withdrawn along the way.
- Public comment: Anyone can comment on the proposal at Regulations.gov using Docket No. ICEB-2026-0100 until November 9, 2026.
- Review: DHS must review the comments before deciding whether to publish a final rule, change it, or drop it.
- Final rule: If a final rule is published, legal analysts expect the fees would start 60 days later.
- Possible legal challenges: Legal experts have said they expect the rule to be challenged in court if it is finalized.
Recent history shows how much can change. In September 2026, a federal court blocked a separate rule that would have replaced "duration of status" for F-1 students, the day before it was due to take effect. Read about the Duration of Status rule.
Current Rules vs. Proposed
Understand your F-1 work rights
Learn how OPT, STEM OPT, CPT, and on-campus jobs work for international students in the US today.
Why There Is Strong Support for OPT
OPT has supporters across the political spectrum, as well as among universities and employers:
- Bipartisan legislation: The Keep Innovators in America Act (H.R. 8013), introduced in March 2026 by members of both major parties, would write OPT into federal law if passed.
- Public opinion: In a 2025 Pew Research Center survey, 79% of Americans said it is good for US colleges and universities to accept international students.
- Higher education and employers: University associations and employer groups have raised concerns about the proposal's impact on students, campuses, and the workforce.
What This Means for You
When navigating policy proposals, the best approach is to plan around the rules in effect today while staying tuned for official updates.
- If you are on OPT or already recommended: Under the proposal, you would not be affected. Continue to follow your current OPT conditions.
- If you are currently studying in the US: OPT is still available. Talk to your Designated School Official (DSO) about your timeline and options.
- If you are planning to study in the US: This proposal does not change your ability to apply, study, or use OPT today. US universities continue to offer an enormous range of high-quality programs. Make your decision based on current rules and your career goals, and review your plans if the rules change.
- Rely on verified information: Proposals are often reported as if they were final. Check official sources, your school's international student office, or your ApplyBoard expert before making decisions.
Tip! It is normal to feel anxious about uncertainty. You do not need to make every decision at once. Take things step by step, make a plan based on the rules in effect now, and revisit it if anything changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. OPT is still available. The proposal would add fees for schools, but it is not final and is open for public comment until November 9, 2026.
Under the proposal, the fee would be paid by the school, not charged directly to students. The proposal does not stop schools from passing on costs, so if the rule is finalized, check with your school about how it would handle the fee.
Under the proposal, students who are already on OPT, already approved for OPT, or already recommended for OPT before a final rule takes effect would not be affected.
Not before a final rule is published. If DHS publishes a final rule, legal analysts expect the fees would start 60 days later. Court challenges could also delay or stop the rule.
The proposal does not change anything today. Base your decision on your goals and the rules currently in effect, and speak with your ApplyBoard expert or your school's international student office if you have questions about your situation. If you are also considering other destinations, see our guide to choosing a study destination.
Policy proposals can feel unsettling, but they are only the first step in a long process. OPT remains in place today, and we will update this article as the proposal moves forward. In the meantime, focus on verified information and the rules that apply to you right now.
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