US Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for F-1 Students as the Department of Homeland Security has unveiled a plan that would require a $70,000 fee for an F-1 student’s initial Optional Practical Training participation and $30,000 for subsequent OPT recommendations.
The proposed fee would be paid by the SEVP-certified educational institution, not directly by the student or employer.
The proposal is aimed at reducing fraud and abuse in the OPT programme and strengthening oversight.
US Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for F-1 Students
Under the proposal, a school would have to pay $70,000 before its designated school official recommends an F-1 student for OPT.
A subsequent OPT recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension, would attract another $30,000 fee.
The proposed charge would apply to both pre-completion and post-completion OPT.
The fee would not be tied to a particular employer, meaning changing employers would not automatically result in another charge.
The school would need to make the required payment before the OPT recommendation is entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
USCIS would not grant employment authorisation if the required fee had not been paid.
What Is OPT for F-1 Students?
Optional Practical Training allows eligible F-1 students to work in jobs directly related to their field of study.
Students can generally receive up to 12 months of OPT at each education level.
Students graduating in eligible science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields may qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
This can allow eligible graduates to work for up to 36 months under the OPT programme.
OPT is commonly used by international graduates to gain US work experience while pursuing longer-term employment opportunities, including potential H-1B sponsorship.
Why DHS Wants Higher OPT Fees
DHS said the proposed fees are intended to address fraud and abuse identified through its oversight of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
The agency cited concerns including problematic worksites, false employment claims and so-called pay-to-stay arrangements.
According to DHS, the higher costs would encourage educational institutions to examine OPT recommendations more carefully and ensure that students’ employment is genuinely related to their studies.
The proposal also reflects the administration’s stated focus on protecting US workers and strengthening employment-based immigration programmes.
Proposed OPT Fees Are Not Yet in Effect
The proposed fees are not currently in effect. DHS has invited public comments on the rule from October 8 through November 9, after which the agency will review the submissions before deciding whether to finalise the proposal.
If the rule is finalised, it would take effect 60 days after publication of the final rule.
The proposed fees would apply to OPT recommendations made on or after the effective date.
For Indian students planning to study and work in the US, the proposal could have significant implications because OPT is an important route for international graduates seeking practical work experience after completing their studies.
US Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee for F-1 Students, but the proposed charge is currently only a rule under consideration.
Students and universities will need to monitor the final decision and any changes made after the public-comment process.
