Will I have to pay the proposed $70,000 OPT fee?

It is a proposal, not law, and current OPT rules still apply. On October 8, 2026, DHS proposed that schools pay $70,000 for each F-1 student's first OPT recommendation and $30,000 for each later one, including a STEM OPT extension. The fee falls on the school, but DHS says schools could pass the cost to F-1 students, all students, or employers. It would apply only to recommendations issued on or after the final rule's effective date, proposed as 60 days after publication. Students already on OPT or STEM OPT would not be charged for that period, though a later request such as a STEM extension would be. CPT is not covered by this proposal. Public comments close November 9, 2026, under Docket ICEB-2026-0100.

Informational, not legal advice. Immigration rules change and individual cases differ. Confirm anything that affects your status with your school’s DSO or an immigration attorney before acting.