Proposed OPT Fees: A Major Hurdle for International Students in the U.S.

Proposed OPT Fees Could Significantly Impact International Student Enrollment in the U.S.

A recent proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement substantial fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendations is raising concerns among U.S. universities. These proposed charges, which could reach $70,000 for an initial recommendation and $30,000 for a subsequent one, are seen by many institutions as a potential deterrent to international students considering American higher education. The current system involves a much lower application fee for students, making the proposed institutional costs a dramatic shift.

Understanding the Proposed OPT Fee Structure

The Department of Homeland Security has put forth a new fee structure that would require educational institutions to pay for OPT recommendations. This proposal outlines two main charges: an initial recommendation fee of $70,000 and a subsequent recommendation fee of $30,000. These fees are separate from the approximately $500 application fee that students currently pay to USCIS. While institutions would be responsible for transmitting these payments to DHS, they would have the option to seek reimbursement from students or employers.

A student applying for initial OPT and then a STEM OPT extension could potentially trigger both the initial and subsequent recommendation fees, leading to a combined institutional cost of $100,000 for those two recommendations. This tiered approach aims to cover different stages of the OPT process, but the significant increase in cost is the primary point of contention for universities.

Universities Voice Strong Opposition to Proposed Fees

A coalition of nearly 600 colleges and universities, represented by the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, has formally objected to the proposed fees. They argue that these charges could severely impact international student enrollment, thereby affecting the academic and research missions of U.S. institutions. Boston University, for example, has expressed concerns that the high costs could force them to prioritize which eligible students receive recommendations based on their ability to pay, a move that could undermine the fairness of the program.

The potential financial burden is not only on the institutions but also on students and employers. Many students may find it impossible to afford such high fees, and employers might be hesitant to hire OPT participants if they are expected to cover these costs. This could lead to a significant reduction in the number of international students choosing to study in the U.S., impacting the diversity and vibrancy of college campuses.

Potential Impact on Enrollment and the U.S. Economy

The proposed OPT fees have generated significant worry about a potential decline in international student enrollment. An October 2026 survey indicated that a substantial majority of current and former international students, around 69%, would likely reconsider enrolling in a U.S. institution if these fees were in place. For STEM students, this figure rose to 70%. DHS’s own estimates suggest that OPT participation could initially drop by 27%, with a potential long-term decline of up to 50%.

Beyond the academic implications, a decrease in international student enrollment could have broader economic consequences. International students contribute significantly to the U.S. economy through tuition, living expenses, and other spending. The alliance estimates that international students contributed $42.9 billion and supported over 355,000 jobs during the 2024-2025 academic year. A significant reduction in their numbers could therefore lead to substantial economic losses.

Alternative Scenarios and University Responses

Universities are exploring various ways to respond to the proposed fee structure. Some institutions have indicated that they may not be able to absorb the substantial costs from their operating budgets. For instance, Tulane University estimated potential annual costs of $13 million, while eight other institutions projected bills exceeding $100 million annually. Smaller institutions with fewer international students also face significant financial challenges, with one projecting costs of $5.4 million a year, which is more than its net tuition revenue from F-1 students.

If universities cannot cover these expenses, they might be forced to make fewer OPT recommendations or pass the costs directly to students and employers. This could create a system where access to valuable work experience is determined by financial capacity rather than academic merit or job market demand. The Presidents’ Alliance has projected that participation could fall by as much as 79% if institutions were required to pay the full $100,000 for an initial recommendation and extension.

Current Process Remains in Place

Despite the ongoing discussions and concerns surrounding the proposed OPT fees, the current process for students seeking Optional Practical Training remains unchanged. Students should continue to follow the established procedures, which involve obtaining a recommendation from their designated school official and then filing Form I-765 with USCIS. The proposed institutional fees have not yet been implemented and do not alter the existing application steps for students. The public comment period for the proposal closed on November 9, 2026, with a deadline for comments on the information collection set for December 7, 2026. DHS has not yet announced a date for a final rule or its effective date.

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