International Student and Scholar Office

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) PROPOSED FEES

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (USDHS) is proposing new fees attached to students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT).  The rule was published in the federal register on October 8, 2026 and the public will have 30 days to comment on the proposed rule.  If this rule goes into effect, educational institutions will be responsible for paying this fee ($70,000/initial and $30,000/extension) for each student that is applying for OPT.