US Proposes Up to $70,000 OPT Fee for International Students

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday proposed new fees for F-1 international students seeking to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), a temporary work programme related to their field of study.

Under the proposed rule, students would face a $70,000 fee for initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT, according to DHS.

The department said the fees are intended to combat fraud and abuse, strengthen the immigration system and protect U.S. workers.

The proposal has drawn criticism from NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, which said the new fees could create greater uncertainty for international students and discourage talented students from choosing the United States.

The proposal comes as the administration of President Donald Trump has tightened immigration and increased scrutiny of foreign students and workers.

The administration has also introduced higher fees for the H-1B visa programme. In September 2025, Trump announced a $100,000 fee for companies sponsoring new H-1B applicants, although federal judges have since blocked the fee. DHS had also proposed a $103,265 fee for H-1B cap-subject petitions in August.

The H-1B programme allows U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialised occupations.