DHS Proposes Significant New Fees for F-1 OPT Program

• DHS proposed imposing substantial new fees on schools sponsoring Optional Practical Training (OPT), including a $70,000 fee for an F-1 student’s initial OPT participation and a $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT authorizations, citing concerns around fraud, program integrity and U.S. worker protections.  

DHS Proposes New OPT Fee Structure 

On October 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule that would establish new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a work authorization program available to eligible F-1 students. Under the proposal, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools, rather than students, would be responsible for paying the fees before recommending a student for OPT.  

If finalized, the proposal would require: 

• A $70,000 fee for a student’s first OPT authorization, whether for pre-completion or post-completion OPT.
• A $30,000 fee for each subsequent OPT authorization, including STEM OPT extensions.
• Payment of the applicable fee before a Designated School Official (DSO) can enter an OPT recommendation in SEVIS.
• Confirmation of fee payment before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may approve an OPT employment authorization application.  

Why DHS Is Proposing the Fee Change 

DHS stated that the proposed fees are intended to: 

Combat Fraud and Misuse of OPT 

The agency cited increased investigations involving fraudulent employers, shell companies, falsified employment arrangements and other forms of OPT-related abuse. DHS argued that additional costs could encourage schools to exercise greater scrutiny when recommending students for OPT and discourage misuse of the program.  

Protect U.S. Workers 

DHS also expressed concerns that OPT participation has grown substantially in recent years and that some employers may use the program as an alternative to other employment-based visa pathways. According to the agency, the proposed fees could reduce participation levels and help limit labor market impacts associated with the program.  

Increase Institutional Oversight 

Under the proposal, schools would effectively assume greater financial responsibility for OPT recommendations. DHS indicated this could incentivize institutions to conduct more thorough reviews of students’ eligibility and employment opportunities before supporting OPT requests.  

Refund Provisions for the Fee

The proposal would allow schools to request refunds in limited circumstances if: 

• A student ultimately does not receive an OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD); and 
• The school’s OPT recommendation has been withdrawn from SEVIS.  

Refund decisions would be made at DHS’s discretion and would not be subject to administrative appeal.  

Proposed Effective Date

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