The current F-1 regulations for OPT are still in effect.
On October 08, The DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) departments have proposed SEVP-Certified schools pay $70,000 for initial OPT Recommendation, $30,000 for subsequent OPT recommendations.
To help you stay informed, OU ISS will continue to update this page with important information as we learn it, and we will email our students with any major news or updates.
Thank you for you patience and understanding.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a longstanding part of the F-1 student category that allows eligible F-1 students to engage in employment directly related to their major field of study, including a period of up to an aggregate of one year of standard OPT (pre-completion and post-completion OPT combined) and, for eligible students, a STEM OPT extension of two additional years.
Under the proposal, the school that recommends the OPT must pay the applicable OPT fee prior to recommending OPT.
The "following fees would apply for each F-1 nonimmigrant student to engage in OPT through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution: $70,000 for initial OPT; and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT."
The current F-1 regulations for OPT are still in effect.
On October 08, The DHS and ICE departments have proposed SEVP-Certified schools pay $70,000 for initial OPT Recommendation, $30,000 for subsequent OPT recommendations.
There is a 30-day comment period ending November 09, 2026 for the proposed rule-related portion of the notice.
Stay informed: Follow the OU ISS website, email communications for the latest information.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a longstanding part of the F-1 student category that allows eligible F-1 students to engage in employment directly related to their major field of study, including a period of up to an aggregate of one year of standard OPT (pre-completion and post-completion OPT combined) and, for eligible students, a STEM OPT extension of two additional years. Under the proposal, the school that recommends the OPT must pay the applicable OPT fee prior to recommending OPT.
DHS proposes that the school that recommends the OPT (or STEM OPT) pay the applicable OPT fee prior to recommending OPT.
USCIS would deny the OPT application of any student whose school recommended the specific OPT prior to the school paying the applicable OPT fee.
A one-time initial fee of $70,000 for each F-1 student the first time that the school recommends the student to participate in OPT of any kind.
A $30,000 fee for a subsequent recommendation for OPT of any kind by that school for that student.
Remember that this is a proposed rule, not a final rule. Publication of the proposed rule on October 8, 2026 will begin the notice-and-comment process under the Administrative Procedure Act, the APA. After the comment period closes at the end of the day on November 9, 2026, DHS will first have to review the comments, develop a final rule, and then send the final rule back to OMB/OIRA for review. After that review is completed, DHS could publish a final rule in the Federal Register, which would specify any revisions to the proposal and when the final rule would be scheduled to take effect.
At this time, the best thing to do is stay informed. Familiarize yourself with the proposed rule, OPT regulations, and follow the OU ISS website and email communications for the latest information.
