A draft rule released on Oct. 8, 2026 would require schools certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme to pay $70,000 for an F‑1 student’s first Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendation and $30,000 for any later recommendation.

The fee would be due before the designated school official submits the recommendation, regardless of the employer that eventually hires the graduate.

OPT allows eligible international students to work in the United States for up to 12 months per education level, with STEM graduates eligible for an additional two years.

Under the proposal, the $70,000 charge is a one‑time fee for a student’s first participation in any OPT program, whether before or after graduation, while later recommendations would be billed at $30,000.

Universities would bear the formal payment obligation but could choose to absorb the cost, pass it to students or employers, or devise other funding arrangements.

Joshua Kai, director of international services at Texas Christian University, said the school must assess the final requirements before deciding how to fund any potential fee.

The Department of Homeland Security argues the fees would curb fraud and abuse in OPT, such as schemes where students pay to keep status without legitimate employment, and would protect American workers.

The rule is not yet law; public comments are due by Nov. 9, 2026, after which DHS will review feedback and decide whether to proceed. If finalized, the rule would take effect 60 days after publication of the final regulation.