The US government has proposed a $70,000 fee for initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendations for international F-1 students, a move that could significantly alter the path from studying in the US to gaining work experience there. The proposal was issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and has not yet taken effect.
What is OPT?
OPT allows eligible F-1 international students to work in the US in jobs related to their field of study. Students can generally receive up to 12 months of OPT, while qualifying STEM graduates may seek an additional 24-month extension.
The programme is particularly important for international graduates entering fields such as technology, engineering, finance and other skilled sectors.
Who would pay the $70,000 fee?
Under the proposed rule, the $70,000 fee would be charged to the SEVP-certified educational institution for an initial OPT recommendation. A further $30,000 fee would apply to subsequent OPT recommendations, including STEM OPT extensions.
Although the fee would technically be imposed on institutions, universities could potentially pass the cost to students or employers. This could make OPT substantially more expensive for international graduates.
Why Indian students could be affected
Indian students represent a major share of international students pursuing US degrees, particularly in STEM fields. A higher OPT cost could influence university decisions, employer hiring and students’ plans to remain in the US after graduation.
The proposal is still subject to public comments and further government review. If implemented, the $70,000 OPT fee could make the transition from an American degree to US employment considerably more complicated for some international students.
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