Update, October 7, 2026: DHS has now released the proposed rule text. It would set a $70,000 fee for initial OPT and $30,000 for later OPT, paid by schools, and is scheduled for publication in the Federal RegisterThe daily journal of the U.S. government where proposed and final rules, notices and executive orders are published.See it in the glossary on October 8.
A Department of Homeland Security proposal to create new fees tied to Optional Practical Training has completed White House regulatory review, clearing a key step before the proposal can be published.
What the White House review cleared
The rule is titled Optional Practical Training (OPT)Temporary work authorization that lets eligible F-1 students work in a job directly related to their field of study. It can be used before or after completing a program, for up to 12 months in total at each education level, and students with certain STEM degrees can apply for a 24-month extension. USCIS grants it on Form I-765 after the school's designated school official recommends it.See it in the glossary Fees and is identified as RIN 1653-AB01. It was submitted by DHS through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for review on August 20, 2026. The Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs regulatory-review record now shows the review as concluded. OIRA received the proposed rule on August 20, 2026.
What the clearance does not do
The clearance does not make a new OPT fee effective. The proposal is still at the proposed-rule stage, and its text has not yet been published in the Federal Register. That means the official fee amount, who would be responsible for paying it, whether it would apply to initial OPT or STEM OPT extensions, and any exemptions or transition rules remain undisclosed.
No new OPT fee is currently in effect based on the White House review alone.
What comes next
The next major step is expected to be publication of the proposed rule. Once the text is public, it should provide the first authoritative details about the proposed amount, who would pay it, which OPT filings would be covered, and the timeline for public comments before any Final ruleThe version of a federal regulation that an agency publishes in the Federal Register after reviewing public comments on a proposed rule. It sets an effective date, which generally falls at least 30 days after publication, and its text is added to the Code of Federal Regulations.See it in the glossary could be issued.