OPT for F-1 students: DHS proposes a $70,000 fee (not in effect yet; comments due November 9)

On October 8, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through ICE, published a proposed rule in the Federal Register called "Optional Practical Training Fees."

OPT (Optional Practical Training) lets F-1 students work in their field of study.

What it proposes, in plain words

$70,000 per student the first time the school recommends OPT (before or after graduation).
$30,000 for each later OPT recommendation, including the STEM OPT extension.
The SEVP-certified school pays. The proposal does not stop the school from passing the cost to the student or employer.
Payment would be due before the DSO (school official) enters the recommendation in SEVIS. Without payment, USCIS would not grant work authorization.

Most important: it does not apply yet

This is a proposal. It is not a final rule.
Per the text, the fee would apply only to recommendations dated on or after the final rule's effective date, proposed as 60 days after the final rule is published.
You do not have to pay anything new for your OPT today.

Key dates

Public comments: through November 9, 2026, at regulations.gov, docket ICEB-2026-0100.
Comments on the information collection (Paperwork Reduction Act): through December 7, 2026.
DHS will not consider comments sent by email, letter or hand delivery. Use the portal only.

What to do

Do not cancel or rush your OPT application out of fear. Talk to your school's DSO first.
If you want to weigh in, comment at regulations.gov using ICEB-2026-0100 before November 9, 2026.
If you already filed your Form I-765 for OPT, track it with your receipt number. CaseAlerta alerts you when it changes.
Watch the Federal Register for a final rule and its effective date.

This is general information, not legal advice. For your case, talk to an immigration attorney or your school's DSO.

Sources

Informational summary prepared by CaseAlerta with AI assistance from official sources. Not legal advice.