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Original Date Announced
October 8, 2026DHS proposed new fees for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program for F-1 nonimmigrant students, setting the cost at $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent participation. The agency justifies these fees as necessary to combat widespread fraud and abuse, citing the program's exponential growth beyond its oversight capacity and its use to circumvent H-1B visa caps. By imposing a significant financial cost, DHS aims to incentivize schools to be more selective in their recommendations and to protect the U.S. labor market, stating that it may shut down the OPT program entirely if the fees are not implemented. Comments are due November 9, 2026.
Trump 2.0 [ID #2441]
2026.10.08 DHS NPRM 91 FR 64566 - Optional Practical Training FeesCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: ProposedTrump Administration Action: RuleSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas: StudentAgencies Affected: DHS
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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Commentary
2026.10.09 Trump Administration Proposes $70,000 Fee on International Students Seeking Post-Graduate Employment - American Immigration Council
In response to the Trump administration proposal for new fees on universities for students in the OPT program, the American Immigration Council reports that studies predict such fees could lead to a 35% reduction in international graduate applicants and cost universities up to $4 billion annually. Further, a recent survey found 80% of international students would reconsider staying in the U.S if the fees were implemented. Even before the rule is finalized, schools have already reported a 10% drop in international student enrollment for the 2026-2027 academic year.
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