DHS Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee and $30,000 STEM OPT Fee

Oct82026

DHS Proposes $70,000 OPT Fee and $30,000 STEM OPT Fee

On Application for Employment Authorization (I-765), F-1 International students- CPT/OPT and STEM OPT,

by Chris Prescott

DHS has now turned to OPT. In a proposed rule published October 8, 2026, ICE would require schools to pay $70,000 for every F-1 student who receives initial OPT, and another $30,000 for any subsequent OPT period, including the 24-month STEM extension. If the school doesn’t pay, the DSO can’t enter the OPT recommendation in...

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