Imagine completing your degree in the United States, finding an opportunity to gain practical work experience, and then hearing that your school may have to pay $70,000 before recommending you for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
That is the concern behind a new proposal from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). But before F-1 students panic, there is an important distinction: this is a proposed rule, not a fee that students are currently required to pay.
What is DHS proposing?
On October 8, 2026, DHS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would introduce new fees for OPT recommendations made by Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified institutions.
Under the proposal:
- An institution would pay $70,000 for a student’s first OPT recommendation.
- An institution would pay $30,000 for a subsequent OPT recommendation for that student.
The proposed fees would apply regardless of whether the first OPT participation is pre-completion or post-completion OPT. A later recommendation could include another period of OPT or a STEM OPT extension.
The proposal is not tied to a particular employer. It is triggered by the school’s decision to recommend the student for OPT.
Does this mean students must pay $70,000?
No. Under the proposal, the payment obligation would fall on the SEVP-certified educational institution, not directly on the student.
However, students should not assume that the proposal would have no practical effect on them. Universities may have to consider the financial and administrative implications when deciding whether to recommend students for OPT. The proposal could therefore affect institutional policies and access to practical training opportunities if it becomes final.
Whether schools would pass any costs on to students is a separate question. The proposed rule does not establish a direct $70,000 payment obligation for students.
Is the proposal already in effect?
No. As of November 2, 2026, DHS has published a proposed rule, not a final rule.
The public comment deadline is November 9, 2026. DHS must consider the rulemaking process before deciding whether to issue a final regulation. If a final rule is issued, its effective date and any transition arrangements will matter.
What should F-1 students do now?
If you are currently studying in the United States or planning to use OPT after graduation:
- Do not assume your OPT has become subject to a $70,000 student fee. The proposal does not create that direct obligation.
- Speak with your school’s international student office. Ask whether the institution is monitoring the proposal and whether it anticipates changes to its OPT recommendation procedures.
- Keep track of your academic and immigration deadlines. Do not delay required OPT steps while waiting for the outcome of the proposal.
- Follow official updates. Check DHS and the Federal Register for any final rule, effective date or changes to the proposal.
The most important point is that the proposal could have serious implications for universities and international students, but it is not yet an implemented OPT fee.
At AK Poku Law, we monitor immigration developments that could affect students’ ability to study, work and remain in the United States. If you are concerned about how a proposed OPT rule could affect your immigration plans, seek legal guidance based on your individual circumstances.
Official source: Federal Register, Optional Practical Training Fees, Proposed Rule
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