US Proposes $100,000 OPT Fee for International Students: What It Means for 2027 Applicants

International students planning to study and work in the United States are facing a major proposed immigration policy change. On October 8, 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a proposal to introduce substantial new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a programme that allows eligible international students to gain practical work experience related to their studies.

The proposal includes a $70,000 fee for initial OPT participation and an additional $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT participation. This could bring the total to $100,000 in certain circumstances.

The proposal has attracted international attention because OPT is an important route through which graduates gain professional experience in the United States after completing their education.

Important: These fees are proposed, not currently implemented under this rule. Students should not assume that they must pay these amounts under the existing OPT system.

US OPT Fee Proposal 2026 – Key Details

Source: Federal Register – Optional Practical Training Fees.

What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training is a US employment authorization programme for eligible international students studying under the F-1 student visa category.

It allows students to gain practical experience in employment directly related to their academic field.

OPT generally includes:

• Post-completion OPT: Eligible students can receive up to 12 months of work authorization after completing their academic programme.

• Pre-completion OPT: Eligible students may obtain authorization for practical training while studying, subject to programme restrictions.

• STEM OPT Extension: Eligible graduates with qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics degrees may apply for an additional 24 months of work authorization.

This means eligible STEM graduates can potentially receive up to 36 months of post-completion work authorization.

OPT has traditionally been an important consideration for international students choosing American universities, particularly those interested in technology, engineering, business and research careers.

What Are the Proposed $70,000 and $30,000 Fees?

The DHS proposal outlines two major fees.

1. Initial OPT Fee – $70,000

Under the proposal, a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified educational institution would pay a $70,000 fee when recommending an F-1 student for their first participation in OPT.

The proposed fee applies to initial OPT participation, whether it is pre-completion or post-completion OPT.

2. Subsequent OPT Fee – $30,000

A further $30,000 fee would apply when an institution makes a subsequent OPT recommendation for a student who has already participated in OPT under the proposed system.

This could apply to a later OPT period, including a STEM OPT extension.

Could the Total Reach $100,000?

Yes. For example, a student who first participates in post-completion OPT and later receives a STEM OPT extension could trigger both proposed fees.

An important distinction is that the proposal places the direct fee obligation on the educational institution. However, DHS acknowledges that institutions may pass the financial burden to students or employers.

Why Is the US Government Proposing These Fees?

According to DHS, the proposed rule is intended to:

• Combat fraud and misuse of the OPT programme.

• Strengthen immigration system integrity.

• Improve oversight of employment authorization.

• Protect employment opportunities for US workers.

• Encourage universities to recommend students for legitimate practical training opportunities.

DHS argues that the proposal would create stronger financial accountability for institutions recommending students for OPT.

The proposal has also raised concerns among higher education experts, universities and immigration policy specialists about its potential effect on international student recruitment and the US workforce.

How Could This Affect International Students?

If the proposal becomes final in its current form, it could influence international students in several ways.

1. Higher Study and Career Costs

Universities may pass some or all of the proposed fees to students or employers. This could make post-study work opportunities more expensive.

2. Fewer Employment Opportunities

Some universities and employers may become more cautious about recommending or hiring international graduates if the financial burden increases.

3. Greater Pressure on STEM Students

Students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes often rely on the STEM OPT extension to gain additional professional experience. A subsequent fee could make this route more difficult to access.

4. Increased Interest in Other Study Destinations

Students may compare the United States with countries such as Canada, Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom when deciding where to pursue higher education.

These are possible consequences of the proposal, not confirmed outcomes.

What Does This Mean for Pakistani Students?

The proposed rule is particularly important for Pakistani students considering undergraduate, master's or PhD programmes in the United States.

Before selecting a university, prospective applicants should consider:

• Tuition fees and living expenses.

• University scholarships and financial assistance.

• F-1 visa requirements.

• OPT and STEM OPT eligibility.

• Post-graduation employment opportunities.

• Possible changes in US immigration regulations.

Students should not cancel their study plans or assume that OPT has been discontinued. The existing programme and the proposed fee rule are separate matters.

Applicants should obtain updated guidance from their university's international student office before making financial or immigration decisions.

Is the $100,000 OPT Fee Already in Effect?

No. The proposed fee rule is not yet final.

The DHS proposal was published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026. The public comment period is scheduled to close on November 9, 2026.

The government must consider the rulemaking process before deciding whether to issue a final regulation. The proposal also describes a possible effective date 60 days after publication of a final rule.

Until a final rule takes effect, students should rely on existing official OPT guidance rather than treating the proposed fees as current charges.

What Should International Students Do Now?

Students planning to study in the United States should take the following steps:

1. Continue researching universities and suitable academic programmes.

2. Check the official F-1 visa and OPT eligibility requirements.

3. Contact university international student offices for updated guidance.

4. Compare scholarship opportunities and the total cost of studying abroad.

5. Monitor official announcements about the proposed OPT fees.

6. Avoid paying anyone who claims they can guarantee an exemption from a proposed fee.

Official Sources and Further Reading

• Federal Register – Proposed OPT Fees: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20660/optional-practical-training-fees

• US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): https://www.uscis.gov/

• US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): https://www.ice.gov/

• Study in the States: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/

Conclusion

The proposed US OPT fee policy is an important development for international students considering American universities. If finalized, it could significantly change the financial considerations surrounding post-study employment.

However, the proposal is not yet a final regulation. Students from Pakistan and other countries should continue checking official government announcements before changing their education or career plans.

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