Proposed Rule
Comment period open
OPT / STEM
Optional Practical Training Fees
Agency: Homeland Security Department
Document #: 2026-20660
Published: October 8, 2026
Comments close: November 9, 2026
Docket: DHS Docket No. ICEB-2026-0100
Who this affects
- F-1 / J-1 students and OPT holders
Inferred from the official title and Federal Register summary. Confirm on the official document — not legal advice.
Summary
This rule proposes new fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers. The following fees would apply for each F-1 nonimmigrant student to engage in OPT through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution: $70,000 for initial OPT; and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT.
