DHS proposes a $70,000 fee, paid by the school, each time a student is first recommended for OPT

DHS published a proposed rule on October 8 that would charge SEVP-certified schools a one-time $70,000 fee the first time they recommend an F-1 student for Optional Practical Training, and $30,000 for any later OPT recommendation for the same student. The fee would be paid by the school, not the student or the employer, and a DSO could not enter the recommendation in SEVIS until it was paid; USCIS could not grant work authorization if it was not. This is a proposal, not law. Comments are due November 9, 2026, and the rule would take effect only 60 days after a final version is published. Nothing about OPT has changed today.

Sources: Proposed rule, 91 FR 64566 (Federal Register) · SEVP Broadcast Message 2610-02 · Study in the States announcement