US proposes institution-paid OPT fees starting at $70,000 per student
The 8 October proposal would charge SEVP-certified institutions. Rule comments are due on 9 November; the fees are not in force.
ICE’s 8 October proposal would require SEVP-certified institutions to pay $70,000 per F-1 student before a designated school official recommends OPT. A subsequent recommendation would cost $30,000 only where the student has previously participated in OPT and the initial $70,000 fee has been paid.[1]
DHS proposes an effective date 60 days after publication of a final rule in the Federal Register, with fees applying to OPT recommendations dated on or after that date. The proposed payment obligation rests on institutions. This report makes no claim about whether they could pass costs to students.[1]
Comments on the proposed rule are due on 9 November 2026. Comments on its information collection have a separate deadline of 7 December. These proposed OPT fees are not yet in force.[1]
Official sources
This article provides general information. Individual applications are subject to the applicable rules and the competent authority’s assessment.