Proposed new OPT fees: $70,000 initial, $30,000 later

TITLE: Proposed new OPT fees: $70,000 initial, $30,000 later

WHAT HAPPENED: On 2026-10-08, the U.S. government published a proposed rule to create new Optional Practical Training (OPT) fees: $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. This is not a final rule.

WHO IT AFFECTS: F-1 nonimmigrant students who would use OPT through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution.

WHAT TO DO NOW:

- Do not panic: this is a proposal, not a final rule, and the fees are not in effect yet.

- Deadline: (check the source).

- Watch for updates from official U.S. government sources.

- Talk to your school’s international student office or an immigration attorney before making decisions.

SOURCE: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20660/optional-practical-training-fees

DISCLAIMER: General info from Homeland Security Department, not legal advice — check with an immigration attorney. English is authoritative.