DHS OPT Fee Proposal Clears White House Review: What International Students Need to Know

• by Shimanta Das
• October 9, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has moved one step closer to imposing hefty new fees on Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows F-1 international students to work in the U.S. after graduation. The proposal recently cleared White House review, paving the way for publication in the Federal Register. While the exact fee amounts remain unknown until the proposal is formally published, the draft rule suggests schools would pay $70,000 for the first OPT recommendation after the rule takes effect, and $30,000 for each subsequent recommendation. Although schools would be responsible for paying DHS, the proposal would allow them to pass the cost to students or employers, or spread it across the student body.

DHS argues the rule change would force educational institutions to exercise “greater oversight and selectivity” before recommending students for OPT. Currently, eligible F-1 students can engage in OPT if the work is directly related to their major area of study, and they must receive a recommendation from a designated school official (DSO) and obtain employment authorization from USCIS. The agency maintains that the new fees would ensure schools more carefully vet students and their job placements. However, critics warn that the steep costs could make OPT prohibitively expensive, particularly for smaller institutions and students from lower-income backgrounds.

Why does this matter? OPT is the primary bridge between F-1 student status and long-term work authorization in the United States, often serving as a stepping stone to H-1B visas. If the fees are implemented, they could significantly reduce access to valuable work experience for international students. The timeline ahead includes a public comment period of 30 or 60 days after publication, followed by a final rule and an effective date specified in that rule. For now, current OPT and STEM OPT rules and fees remain in effect, and international student offices continue to process OPT recommendations as usual. Students should stay informed and prepare to submit comments during the public comment period to voice their concerns.