Proposed DHS Rule Regarding OPT Fees

Dear F-1 Students,

Visa and Immigration Services (VIS) is aware of a new proposed rule from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued today regarding Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students.

The proposal would create significant new fees associated with OPT recommendations, including a $70,000 fee for a student’s first OPT recommendation and a $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT recommendations, including STEM OPT extensions. Under the proposal, these fees would be assessed to the SEVP-certified institution.

It is important to understand that this is only a proposed rule. It is not currently in effect, and there are no changes to OPT eligibility or the OPT application process at this time.

The proposal must first go through the federal rulemaking process, including a public comment period, before DHS could issue a final rule. The proposal may also face legal challenges. As a result, it remains uncertain whether these fees will take effect and, if so, when or in what form.

For now, F-1 students should continue following the existing OPT and STEM OPT application processes and timelines. There is no need to take any action in response to this proposal.

VIS will continue monitoring developments and share updates if any changes are finalized that affect our F-1 students.

Kind regards,
Visa and Immigration Services
Stony Brook University