US Weighs New OPT Fees as Proposal Clears White House Review

A proposal that could introduce fees for the US Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme has completed review by the White House regulatory office, but no new fee has been imposed.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) submitted the proposal, titled “Optional Practical Training Fees”, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) on 20 August. OIRA, part of the Office of Management and Budget, reviews major regulatory proposals before they are published.

The review was completed on 11 September with the designation “Consistent with Change”, indicating that the proposal was returned with modifications. The designation does not amount to presidential approval and does not confirm that a $100,000 fee will be introduced.

The official record does not currently state the proposed fee or identify which students or applications could be affected. The next step is for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to publish the proposal in the Federal Register.

Publication would begin the public-comment period, giving students, universities and employers an opportunity to submit their views before DHS considers issuing a final rule. OPT allows F-1 visa holders to work in jobs related to their studies after completing their academic programmes. 

Students who qualify for the STEM extension can receive an additional 24 months of work authorisation. For many international graduates, OPT provides a route into longer-term employment and can support efforts to obtain H-1B sponsorship. A significant new fee could therefore affect students' financial and employment plans.

The proposed OPT fee initiative is separate from other DHS efforts to change practical training rules. Its focus is on potential fees rather than broader changes to the structure of the programme. No new OPT fee is currently in effect. The details will become clearer once DHS publishes the proposed rule in the Federal Register. Any final regulation would only follow the required rulemaking and public-comment process.

Reports referring to a $100,000 OPT fee should therefore be treated with caution, as the official record does not currently confirm that amount.