US Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for International Students: What Indian Graduates Need to Know

DHS Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for International Students: What the New US Rule Could Mean for Indians

New Delhi: A recent proposed change in US immigration rules has the potential to significantly increase the costs incurred by international students for post-study work opportunities, including thousands of Indian graduates. The DHS has suggested that there will be an initial fee of $70,000 for Optional Practical Training (OPT), and an additional fee of $30,000 for each subsequent OPT, if applicable, for each F-1 eligible student.

The proposal was published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026, as the 'Optional Practical Training Fees'. It is a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), not a final rule. Amounts suggested in the NPRM are not currently collectible, and will not become effective until after the end of a comment and review period, which may include a change in the amounts. Although the new rule has not been finalized, many Indian students interested in studying in the USA, and especially those interested in the OPT as a means to gain work experience after their studies, have expressed their concerns regarding the new changes.

What Has the DHS Proposed?

A new rule published by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the DHS proposes charging international students in F-1 status a fee to participate in Post-Graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT) and adding a fee for students to participate in subsequent periods of OPT.

These fees would be charged to each individual student, and would not replace a yearly fee charged to an entire university for their international student population.  The subsequent OPT fee would be charged for additional periods of OPT, including the 24-month STEM OPT extension.

Who Would Pay The Proposed OPT Fee?

One of the more novel features of the proposal is the payment mechanism. In this case, the fee would be charged to an educational institution before the designated school official (DSO) in the SEVIS record recommends the student for OPT.

DHS states in the proposal that universities may pass the financial burden to F-1 students, or to other students or employers. This means that the international student seeking to pursue Optional Practical Training may face an added financial burden, as universities may choose to not cover the fee, or increase tuition costs to help cover the fee.

Why Is DHS Proposing Such a High OPT Fee?

DHS has said that its proposal is part of an effort to improve immigration oversight and enforcement and to reduce fraud and abuse in the OPT program. The proposal outlines how the charges would provide DHS with revenue to offset the costs of OPT program administration and enforcement.

The proposal acknowledges that OPT may be used to assist employers in avoiding work-related obligations. These are the government’s justifications, not findings, that every international student or OPT participant has violated the rules of the program.

What Could the Proposal Mean for Indian Students?

This proposal could potentially be very costly for Indian students if it is enacted as a final rule. F-1 students who are eligible for OPT are able to work in the United States in a position related to their field of study. Eligible graduates in a STEM field may be eligible for an additional 24 month extension of their OPT.

A $70,000 fee would likely impact how universities, employers and students make decisions regarding post-study employment. Institutions might become more selective about supporting OPT recommendations. Employers might also rethink supporting employees for OPT employment. Students considering a US degree should be aware that this proposed rule would not impact the existing OPT framework. Additionally, this proposed rule would not remove the STEM extension nor would it create a new fee charged to all international students.

DHS OPT Fee Proposal: Key Dates and Specifics

The public comment due date of November 9, 2026, has passed. DHS must consider the public comments before determining whether to issue a final rule. The Federal Register also states that comments are due December 7, 2026, on information collection to the rule. No deadline is given for the rule to take effect.

Is the $70,000 OPT Fee Applicable Now?

No. The proposed fees of $70,000 and $30,000 have not gone into effect. The October 8 rule began a formal rulemaking process, during which time DHS can consider public comments and revise, withdraw or finalize the proposed rule.

Until a final rule is issued, students should not consider these fees in the rulemaking process as fees they must pay to apply for OPT. For the most current information, students should check the Federal Register rather than social media.

FAQs

1. Is there a new $70,000 fee for the US OPT process?

There is currently a $70,000 fee for first-time OPT by DHS, which is still at the proposed rule stage.

2. What is the OPT fee for international students?

The fee is proposed at $70,000 for the first OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPTs.

3. When was the DHS proposed OPT fee rule released?

The proposal was released on 8th October 2026.

4. Will Indian students need to pay the $70,000 OPT fee?

Not for the time being. The cost will be borne by the SEVP certified college, however, DHS says other parties can also bear the cost.

5. Does the OPT fee also apply to the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, the $30,000 fee also applies to the STEM OPT extension.

6. What is DHS trying to achieve by implementing the OPT fee?

DHS says the fee will help fight fraud and help better manage immigration programs.

7. What was the last date to comment on the proposed OPT rule?

Comments could be submitted on the proposal by November 9, 2026, or on the information collection requirement by December 7, 2026.

8. Where can students view the official DHS proposal to charge the OPT fee?

The proposal is published on the Federal Register. The PDF of the proposal is also available on the Federal government website.

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