DHS proposes massive new fees for international student OPT program

F-1 visa Optional Practical Training DHS fees immigration policy international students

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has proposed a significant increase in fees for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows F-1 international students to work in the United States. Under the proposal, certified educational institutions would be required to pay $70,000 for a student’s initial OPT participation and an additional $30,000 for any subsequent authorizations. This represents a massive increase from the current fee of approximately $500.

DHS stated the measure aims to combat fraud, strengthen immigration system integrity, and protect American workers. The department estimates the total annual impact of these fees could reach $12.4 billion. The proposal also includes a public comment period that is scheduled to close on November 9, 2026.

In related immigration developments, the Trump administration has reportedly launched investigations into J-1 scholar visa programs at certain universities regarding potential wage discrepancies. Additionally, the administration has suspended PERM labor certification processing for several technology and IT services companies pending federal investigations into alleged fraud and compliance issues.

Entities

Columbia University · Department of Homeland Security · Donald Trump · Optional Practical Training · United States · University of Washington

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The DHS estimates the total impact of these fees at approximately $12.4 billion annually. www.riotimesonline.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The proposed fee for an F-1 student’s initial OPT participation is $70,000. corporateimmigrationpartners.com · www.junglecity.com · www.osul.com.br · www.riotimesonline.com · www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br · +2 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The administration is investigating J-1 scholar visa programs at select universities regarding wage concerns. corporateimmigrationpartners.com
[● 7 SOURCES] Subsequent OPT authorizations would incur a $30,000 fee. corporateimmigrationpartners.com · www.junglecity.com · www.osul.com.br · www.riotimesonline.com · www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] The public comment period for the proposed rule closes on November 9, 2026. www.junglecity.com · www.riotimesonline.com · www.hispanospress.com
[● 7 SOURCES] The DHS proposed new fees for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program to combat fraud and protect US workers. corporateimmigrationpartners.com · www.junglecity.com · www.osul.com.br · www.riotimesonline.com · www.diariodocentrodomundo.com.br · +2 more
[● 2 SOURCES] PERM labor certification processing has been suspended for several technology and IT services companies. corporateimmigrationpartners.com · www.businessinsider.com