U.S. Proposes OPT Fees Paid by Schools: $70,000 for Initial OPT, $30,000 for Each Later Period; Comments Due November 9

On October 8, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register that would add new fees for F-1 students to take part in OPT (Optional Practical Training, the post-study work authorization): $70,000 per student for initial OPT, and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT period, including STEM OPT extensions. The University of Washington's International Student Services office shared the news with its international students on October 9.

Key points

• Who pays: The proposal says the SEVP-certified school pays. Until the fee is paid, the school's international office cannot enter an OPT recommendation in SEVIS, and USCIS will not issue an OPT work permit. The proposal does not say whether schools may pass the cost on to students.
• Refunds: A school can request a refund if the student never receives the OPT work permit; there is no refund once the permit is issued.
• Not in effect: This is a proposal, not a final rule. The University of Washington states that these fees are not being charged now and current OPT rules and procedures have not changed.
• If finalized: Under the proposal, the rule would take effect 60 days after the final rule is published, and would apply only to students who receive an OPT recommendation on or after that date.
• Public comments: Open until November 9, 2026; anyone may submit one.

What it means for students and families

OPT is the main way many international students gain U.S. work experience after graduation and bridge to a work visa; STEM graduates can work up to two more years through the STEM OPT extension. If the proposal passes as written, schools would face a large cost for every student who applies for OPT, which could affect whether, and for whom, schools recommend OPT. Whether it will be finalized, when, and how schools will respond is still uncertain; follow official updates.

• Students already studying in the U.S.: keep preparing OPT applications under the current rules and watch for notices from your school's international office.
• Students applying to U.S. colleges: treat post-graduation work options as one factor when choosing schools, and ask admitted schools how they plan to handle OPT.

Sources: University of Washington International Student Services; Federal Register proposed rule. Check the official sources for the latest policy.