US OPT Fee Proposal 2026: What the $70,000 Rule Means for Punjab Students
Short answer: On 8 October 2026, the US Department of Homeland Security (through ICE's Student and Exchange Visitor Program) published a proposed rule that would make SEVP-certified schools pay $70,000 before recommending an F-1 student for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for the first time, and $30,000 for every later OPT recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension. It is only a proposal: nothing has changed yet, public comments close on 9 November 2026, and any final rule would take effect 60 days after it is published.
Many families in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Amritsar and across Punjab fund a US master's partly on the expectation that OPT work experience will follow the degree. That makes this OPT fee proposal 2026 one of the most important US student updates of the year. Below we explain what the official proposed rule in the Federal Register actually says, what it does not say, and how to plan calmly.
OPT Fee Proposal 2026: The Key Facts
Item | What the proposed rule says |
|---|---|
Published | 8 October 2026, Federal Register document 2026-20660 (docket ICEB-2026-0100) |
Issued by | Department of Homeland Security / U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (SEVP) |
Initial OPT fee | $70,000 per student for the first OPT recommendation of any type (pre-completion or post-completion) |
Subsequent OPT fee | $30,000 for each later OPT recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension |
Who pays | The SEVP-certified school, before its Designated School Official (DSO) enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS |
Can schools pass it on? | DHS says schools may pass the cost on to F-1 students (and possibly employers), but they are not required to |
Comment deadline | 9 November 2026 |
Effective date | Not set. A final rule would take effect 60 days after it is published |
Status today | Proposed only. The current OPT process continues unchanged |
DHS says the fee is meant to fight OPT fraud, such as shell employers and "pay-to-stay" arrangements, and to stop OPT being used to bypass H-1B rules. Under the proposal, fee money would go to the US Treasury, not to ICE.
What Is OPT and Why Does It Matter?
OPT is temporary work authorisation for F-1 students in a job related to their field of study. It can be used before graduation (pre-completion OPT) or after it (post-completion OPT), and the standard period is generally up to 12 months per degree level. Graduates in eligible STEM fields can then apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. The process starts with a DSO recommendation in SEVIS, after which the student files Form I-765 with USCIS.
For many Indian students, OPT is the bridge between a US degree and an H-1B petition, and it is how many graduates start repaying education loans. A fee attached to that step changes the cost of the whole plan, which is why students should follow this proposal closely. If you are also tracking the H-1B side, read our explainer on the H-1B $100,000 fee update.
How the Fee Would Work: Three Examples
These examples follow the logic DHS sets out in the proposed rule. They assume the rule is finalised as written, which is not certain.
Post-completion OPT only: a student finishes an MS and receives a first OPT recommendation. The school pays the $70,000 initial fee.
OPT plus STEM extension: the same student later applies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That is a subsequent recommendation, so another $30,000 is due, making $100,000 linked to one student's OPT.
Pre-completion then post-completion OPT: DHS's own example says a student who does pre-completion OPT and later post-completion OPT would trigger $70,000 plus $30,000, even with the same employer.
Refunds are limited. A school could ask for a refund only if the student has not yet received the OPT work permit (EAD) or extension, and SEVP's decision would be final.
What Has Not Changed (Yet)
The rule is a proposal. Schools are still recommending OPT under the current rules.
DHS proposes to apply the $70,000 fee only to OPT recommendations dated on or after the final rule's effective date.
The F-1 visa process itself, including the I-20 and the visa interview, is not changed by this proposal.
The USCIS filing fee for Form I-765 is a separate, existing fee. Check the current amount on uscis.gov before filing.
Universities are telling their students the same thing. Boston University's international office, for example, says "There are no changes to regulation or practice at this time" and expects the proposal may face legal challenges. Several outcomes are possible: the rule could be finalised as written, changed after comments, delayed by courts, or dropped.
What the OPT Fee Proposal Could Mean for Punjab Students
Who should pay most attention
Students planning a US master's for Fall 2027 or later, who would reach OPT after any final rule could take effect.
STEM students counting on up to three years of OPT (12 months plus the 24-month extension).
Students choosing lower-cost universities, which may be less able to absorb a large per-student fee.
Questions to ask universities before you pay a deposit
Has the university said whether it would absorb or pass on an OPT fee if the rule is finalised?
Is the program STEM-designated, and what is its CIP code?
Does the program include Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or co-op? CPT is a separate authorisation from OPT, so ask the university how it would be affected.
Will the university put its answer in writing?
Budgeting from Punjab
Do not build an education-loan repayment plan that only works if OPT salary arrives on time. Plan a second scenario in which OPT costs you more, is delayed, or is not used. This is the same caution we recommend in our F-1 visa 4-year rule update: US policy is moving quickly, so your funding plan should not depend on one rule staying the same.
Step-by-Step Checklist for Students Applying to the US Now
Do not cancel plans in a panic. The fee is not in effect, and the final rule may differ.
Read the proposal yourself on the Federal Register and follow updates from SEVP's Study in the States website and your university's international office.
Ask every shortlisted university, in writing, how it would handle an OPT fee.
Rebuild your budget so loan repayment does not depend entirely on OPT income.
Compare post-study work rights in other countries before you commit to a deposit.
If you wish, submit a public comment on regulations.gov (docket ICEB-2026-0100) before 9 November 2026. Anyone can comment.
Keep preparing strongly for your visa interview. Our F-1 visa interview questions guide has a full checklist.
Avoid anyone offering "guaranteed OPT", fee waivers or special arrangements. No agent can promise these.
Comparing Post-Study Work Options
If OPT becomes more expensive, it is worth knowing how other popular destinations compare today. Rules change often, so confirm details before you decide.
Country | Post-study work route | Current position (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
USA | OPT, plus a 24-month STEM OPT extension | Large school-paid fees proposed; not yet in effect |
Canada | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) | Length linked to program length; field-of-study rules apply to many college programs |
UK | Graduate visa | 2 years if you apply by 31 December 2026; 18 months for applications from 1 January 2027 |
For Canada, see our PGWP eligibility guide. For the UK change, see the official Graduate visa page on GOV.UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the $70,000 OPT fee in effect now?
No. DHS published it as a proposed rule on 8 October 2026. Comments close on 9 November 2026, and a final rule, if issued, would take effect 60 days after publication. Until then, OPT works as before.
Who pays the proposed OPT fee, the student or the university?
The proposed rule makes the SEVP-certified school pay the fee before its DSO can recommend OPT. However, DHS says schools may pass the cost on to F-1 students, so students could end up paying in practice.
Does the OPT fee apply to the STEM OPT extension?
Under the proposal, yes. Any OPT recommendation after the initial one, including a STEM OPT extension, would carry a $30,000 subsequent fee.
What is the deadline to comment on the OPT fee proposal 2026?
Public comments are due by 9 November 2026 through regulations.gov under docket ICEB-2026-0100. Anyone, including students and parents in India, can submit a comment.
Will students already on OPT have to pay the new fee?
DHS proposes to apply the $70,000 fee to OPT recommendations dated on or after the final rule's effective date, so current OPT is not charged under the proposal. Some situations, such as a later STEM extension, are not fully clear, so check with your DSO.
Should Punjab students still plan a US master's for 2027?
It depends on your budget, course and career plan. The US remains a strong option for many students, but you should plan for the possibility of higher OPT costs and compare alternatives before paying deposits.
Plan Your US Study Route with World Immigration Terminal
If you are deciding between US universities, or between the US, Canada and the UK, our Jalandhar team can review your course list, funding plan and post-study work options against the latest official rules. Book a consultation with World Immigration Terminal for honest, practical advice. We never promise visa approval, because only the US government can make that decision.
Last verified: October 2026 against the Federal Register proposed rule "Optional Practical Training Fees" (91 FR 64566). US immigration rules can change quickly, and this proposal may be changed, delayed or withdrawn. This article is general information, not legal advice. Always confirm current rules on official US government websites or consult World Immigration Terminal.
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