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Proposed rule in the U.S. would prevent international graduates from entering the job market before winning their battle. The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a new set of OPT fees for universities of up to $100K, with the first $70,000 being an OPT recommendation and the second $30,000 being for an extension. The cost may create a huge financial obstacle for F-1 visa holders to work legally in the US upon completing their studies if the schools pass on the cost.
Quick Facts: $100K OPT Fee at a Glance
| Detail | Info |
| The first OPT fee (per student) is due. | $70,000 |
| Extension fee | $30,000 |
| Total possible cost | $100,000 per student |
| Who pays (proposed) | SEVP-certified universities |
| Current student fee | Up to $520 |
| Current university fee | $0 |
| OPT duration | 12 months + 24-month STEM OPT extension |
| Stated goal | Eliminate identity theft, safeguard American workers |
What Is OPT and What’s Changing?
Optional Practical Training is a program that allows F-1 visa international students to work in the United States for up to a year after their graduation. STEM graduates are eligible for a STEM OPT extension, which will allow them up to 36 months of OPT work authorisation before they must be sponsored by their employer for a visa.
At this time, universities are not receiving any compensation for recommending a student for OPT. The new proposal is a different story: $70,000 for a first recommendation, $30,000 for each extension. If a school or schools sponsor hundreds of students each year, it could cost tens of millions of dollars each year.
Will Universities Pass the Cost to Students?
The question is that. There are a few options available to schools, but none of them is great for international graduates:
| University Response | Impact on Students |
| Pass on the costs to students. | Unfortunately, many F-1 holders find OPT unaffordable. |
| Reduce OPT sponsorships | The percentage of students who are issued U.S. work authorization declines |
| Cut international enrollment | A decline in the number of F-1 students in the long term. |
There is generally a consensus that some cost transfer will occur. Those who graduate from STEM programs are exposed to the highest amount of fees, $100K, if they are caught paying for both their OPT period and the extension. This would disproportionately impact Indian and Chinese graduates, who lead the pack of students taking part in OPT.
It’s not just students who are affected by the ripple. If hiring of OPT workers is cut down substantially, tech and finance firms that depend heavily on OPT workers may find their hiring process affected.
FAQs
Who is liable to pay the new OPT fee?
The proposal calls for universities to pay, and it can be passed on to students via tuition or fees.
Is the $100K OPT fee for sure?
No. It is a proposed DHS rule that is pending public comment as of October 2026.
What is the impact of this on the OPT to H-1B?
OPT is the main avenue for H-1B sponsorship. With shrinking access, long-term careers in the USA for an international graduate become more difficult.
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