Overview
- The Department of Homeland Security published the proposal on Oct. 7 that would require SEVP‑certified schools to pay $70,000 for an initial Optional Practical Training recommendation and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT before a designated school official can enter the recommendation in SEVIS.
- Under the rule USCIS would withhold employment authorization if the school has not paid the fee, and DHS says the charge is meant to reduce alleged schemes such as phantom employers, empty worksite addresses, and 'pay‑to‑stay' arrangements.
- The measure is a proposal only and is open for a 30‑day public comment period with DHS saying it would wait an additional period after finalization before implementing the fee.
- Universities, employers or students could end up bearing the cost because DHS lets schools recover the fee, and experts warn the change could cut international enrollment, squeeze tuition revenue and shrink the pipeline from OPT into H‑1B hiring, especially in STEM fields heavily populated by students from India.
- Observers expect rapid legal challenges and sustained pushback given past court decisions that blocked large visa fees and recent litigation over other student‑stay rules, making the rule’s fate uncertain even if it is finalized.