The US Department of Homeland Security has formally proposed substantial fees connected with Optional Practical Training for international students holding F-1 status.
Under the proposal, an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program would pay US$70,000 when initially recommending a student for OPT. A further US$30,000 would apply to each subsequent OPT recommendation for that student.
The plan could significantly affect colleges, universities and international graduates, including the large number of Indian students using OPT to gain work experience after completing their studies.
The proposal is not currently in force. Public comments are open until November 9, 2026, after which the government must consider the submissions before issuing any final rule. The published text places the proposed payment obligation on participating educational institutions, although schools could change their programmes or costs in response.
