Overview
- The proposal, published Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026, would require SEVP‑certified schools to pay $70,000 for each student’s initial Optional Practical Training authorization and $30,000 for each renewal.
- OPT is the program that lets F‑1 students work in jobs related to their major for one year after graduation with certain STEM degrees eligible for up to two extra years.
- DHS says the fee is meant to combat fraud, abusive worksites and pay‑to‑stay schemes, but the rule would place the legal payment obligation on schools even though DHS says institutions could recover costs from students or employers.
- Higher education groups, tech firms and immigration experts say the jump from current fees of roughly $500 to as much as $100,000 over a STEM OPT period would cut international enrollment, drain tuition revenue, and shrink a key U.S. STEM talent pipeline.
- The rule is in formal notice-and-comment with reporting differing on a 30‑ versus 60‑day comment window and DHS’s 60‑day delay before enforcement, and legal observers expect lawsuits and other challenges that could block or delay implementation.