Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a longstanding part of the F-1 student category that allows eligible F-1 students to engage in employment directly related to their major field of study, including a period of up to an aggregate of one year of standard OPT (pre-completion and post-completion OPT combined) and, for eligible students, a STEM OPT extension of two additional years.
Under a DHS proposed rule published at 91 FR 64566 (October 8, 2026), a school that recommends the OPT would have to pay the applicable OPT fee prior to recommending OPT. The "following fees would apply for each F-1 nonimmigrant student to engage in OPT through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution: $70,000 for initial OPT; and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT." Even though it is the obligation of the school to pay the fee and attest to its payment, DHS says in the proposed rule preamble that the school can choose to arrange for the source of the fee.
There is a 30-day comment period ending November 9, 2026 for the proposed rule-related portion of the Federal Register notice.
There is a 60-day comment period ending December 7, 2026 on the information collection portion of the Federal Register notice (i.e., a proposal to add SEVIS functionality to allow DSOs to update SEVIS with information relating to payment confirmation of applicable OPT fees).
Proposed OPT Fee Rule: Analysis
This is the NAFSA home for analysis of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed rule to charge schools heavy fees for recommending F-1 optional practical training (OPT).
Commenting on the Proposed OPT Fee Rule
Resources that can assist in preparing public comments on the proposed OPT fee rule.