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F-1 & OPT ·
DHS proposes a $70,000 fee for OPT and $30,000 for later OPT, including STEM OPT
On October 7, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security proposed a rule that would charge a $70,000 fee for each F-1 student's initial OPT and $30,000 for any later OPT, including the STEM OPT extension. The school would pay the fee before recommending a student for OPT. The rule is a proposal and is not in effect.
Confirmed
- The proposal sets a $70,000 fee for initial OPT, before or after graduation, and $30,000 for any later OPT period, including the STEM OPT extension.
- The school pays the fee before recommending a student for OPT in SEVIS. The proposal lets schools recover the cost from students, employers, or other sources.
- Public comments are open from October 8 to November 9, 2026.
- Under the proposal, a final rule would take effect 60 days after publication and apply to OPT recommendations made after that date.
Still unclear
- Whether DHS will finalize the rule, and whether the fee amounts will change.
- How schools would share the cost with students and employers.
- When a final rule could be published.
Key dates
- DHS announces the proposed rule
- Published in the Federal Register; public comments open
- Public comment period closes