DHS Proposes $70,000 Fee to Put International Students in U.S. Work Program

WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security proposed a steep new fee structure Oct. 7 that would require colleges and universities to pay $70,000 each time they recommend an international student for the Optional Practical Training program, with a $30,000 charge for any subsequent authorization.

The OPT program lets F-1 visa holders gain work experience in their field after graduation. <cite index="22-5,22-6">DHS announced the proposed rule on Oct. 8, and it would require a $70,000 fee for an F-1 student's initial OPT period and $30,000 for subsequent periods, including STEM OPT extensions. OPT provides eligible F-1 students with temporary employment authorization related to their field of study.</cite>

<cite index="25-1">DHS said in its release that the rule, if finalized, is intended to reduce the flow of cheap labor into the United States and make it easier for American citizens to compete in the job market.</cite>

<cite index="20-9">The regulatory text places the legal payment obligation on SEVP-certified schools, not directly on students.</cite> But the agency expressly acknowledges that schools may choose to pass the cost on. <cite index="21-2">Critics say the fee could put the program out of reach for many institutions and international students and weaken a key draw for studying in the United States.</cite>

<cite index="23-1">A DHS spokesperson said OPT "was never meant to be a back door into the American workforce, a subsidy for cheap labor, or a prize for those who game the system."</cite>

<cite index="24-7,24-8">DHS said the proposed fee structure comes in response to widespread fraud and abuse identified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, citing illicit arrangements including non-compliant worksites and "pay-to-stay" visa schemes.</cite>

The scale of the proposed increase is significant. <cite index="26-10,26-11">The current filing fee stands at $470, and the proposal is not yet in effect.</cite> <cite index="26-15">A STEM graduate who uses both initial OPT and the 24-month STEM extension would face $100,000 in fees under the proposed structure.</cite>

The American Council on Education, which represents college presidents, pushed back quickly. <cite index="21-4">"We know that OPT is one of the reasons that international students choose to study in the United States because they're able to have that post-graduation work experience," ACE's Spreitzer told the Associated Press.</cite> <cite index="21-6">ACE said it plans to submit comments to DHS and ask the agency to withdraw what it called a flawed proposed rule.</cite>

<cite index="20-5">The proposed rule is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 8, and DHS will accept public comments for 30 days.</cite> <cite index="27-11">The public comment deadline is November 9, 2026.</cite>

<cite index="21-5">The fees would take effect 60 days after a final rule is published.</cite> No final rule has been issued, and the current OPT application process remains in place while the comment period runs.

The proposal comes as <cite index="21-3">campuses are already reporting declines in international enrollment.</cite> It follows a broader pattern of Trump administration moves to restrict pathways for international students and workers, including a separate Labor Department investigation announced Oct. 8 into the use of J-1 visas at nine universities.

Sources cited:
- DHS press release (https://www.dhs.gov/news/2026/10/07/dhs-proposes-fees-foreign-student-work-program-protect-american-jobs)
- Erickson Immigration Group analysis (https://eiglaw.com/dhs-proposes-70000-opt-fee-and-30000-stem-opt-fee-for-international-students/)
- American Council on Education (https://www.acenet.edu/News-Room/Pages/DHS-Proposes-New-OPT-Fee.aspx)
- University of Washington ISS (https://iss.washington.edu/dhs-proposes-new-opt-fees/)
- TIME (https://time.com/article/2026/10/08/international-student-training-opt-fee-work-trump-administration/)
- Berardi Immigration Law (https://berardiimmigrationlaw.com/dhs-proposes-a-70000-opt-fee-what-international-students-schools-and-employers-need-to-know/)