DHS Proposes New Optional Practical Training (OPT) Fees

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) Regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) Fees with a 30-day comment period.

Under the proposal, DHS/ICE would require SEVP-certified schools/Institutions to pay the following fees for F-1 students participating in OPT:

• $70,000 for an initial OPT authorization
• $30,000 for each subsequent OPT authorization, including the 24-month STEM OPT extension

Additionally, SEVP-certified schools/Institutions would be required to pay the fee before the Designated School Officials (DSO) recommend F-1 students for OPT in SEVIS and before students apply for an employment authorization with USCIS. USCIS would not grant employment authorization if the required fee has not been paid by the institution.”

The proposed fee would not be tied to a specific employer; Instead, it would apply whenever a school/institution recommends an F-1 student for any type of OPT.

This is only a proposed rule at this time, and the fees don’t currently apply.  However, given its potentially significant impact, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) is closely monitoring this development and will provide updates as they occur.  Please reach out to OIA should you have any questions.