Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee and $30,000 STEM OPT Extension Fee: What International Students and Employers Need to Know

By: Mishita Jethi | October 8, 2026

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a proposed rule that would significantly increase the cost of employment authorization under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 international students. The proposal introduces a $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation and a $30,000 fee for STEM OPT extensions.

If implemented, the rule could substantially affect international students, U.S. universities, and employers that rely on OPT as a pathway for recruiting and retaining international talent.

What Are the Proposed Changes?

Under the proposed rule:

• Initial OPT Fee: A $70,000 fee would apply when an eligible F-1 student is initially recommended for OPT.
• Subsequent OPT Fee: A $30,000 fee would apply to subsequent OPT recommendations, including the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
• Payment Responsibility: SEVP-certified educational institutions would be responsible for submitting the fees before their Designated School Officials (DSOs) recommend OPT in SEVIS.
• Employment Authorization: USCIS would not approve OPT employment authorization without payment of the applicable fee.
• Employer Changes: Changing employers would not, by itself, trigger an additional fee.

For an international student pursuing an initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT followed by a 24-month STEM OPT extension, the combined proposed fees could reach $100,000.

Why Is DHS Proposing These Fees?

DHS states that the proposed fees are intended to combat fraud and abuse within the OPT program, strengthen immigration compliance, and protect employment opportunities for U.S. workers.

According to DHS, the proposed financial requirements would encourage educational institutions to exercise greater oversight when recommending international students for practical training opportunities.

What Does This Mean for Students and Employers?

For F-1 Students:

• The proposal could significantly increase the financial barriers to obtaining OPT and STEM OPT employment authorization.
• Students approaching graduation or preparing STEM OPT extension applications should closely monitor developments.
• Students currently participating in OPT should not assume that their existing employment authorization is immediately affected.

For U.S. Employers:

• Employers relying on international graduates for skilled positions may face significant recruitment and workforce-planning challenges.
• The proposed fees could affect the availability of international graduates for employment, particularly in technology, engineering, research, and other STEM-related fields.
• Employers should evaluate alternative immigration options, including H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other appropriate classifications, where eligibility requirements are satisfied.

For Universities:

• Educational institutions would face substantial new financial obligations when recommending students for OPT.
• The proposal could influence international student enrollment, institutional policies, and the availability of practical training opportunities.

When Will the Changes Take Effect?

The proposed rule was announced on October 7, 2026, and is subject to the federal rulemaking process, including a public comment period. No implementation date has been established. DHS must consider public comments and issue a final rule before the proposed requirements can become effective. Until then, existing OPT and STEM OPT regulations and applicable filing fees remain in place.

Recommended Next Steps

International students, employers, and educational institutions should:

1. Monitor the rulemaking process and any subsequent DHS announcements.
2. Review upcoming OPT and STEM OPT filing timelines to avoid unnecessary delays under existing requirements.
3. Assess alternative immigration strategies for international graduates whose employment plans could be affected.
4. Consider submitting public comments addressing the proposal's potential financial and operational consequences.

Key Takeaway

The proposed OPT fee structure represents a potentially significant shift in U.S. immigration policy affecting international students and the employers that hire them. Although the proposal has not yet become law, students, universities, and employers should begin evaluating its potential impact and remain prepared for further regulatory developments. For any further questions about the proposed rule, please contact your trusted Chugh, LLP immigration professional.