DHS Proposed High Fees for OPT Programs

The Department of Homeland Security has introduced significant new costs for international student work programs.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Internships

Isometric editorial illustration of a graduation cap sitting atop a plain institutional folder, representing international student work visa policy. — The Department of Homeland Security has proposed significant new application and renewal fees for the Optional Practical Training program for international students. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should the U.S. government impose high fees on international students working through university programs?

The Department of Homeland Security has proposed mandatory fees of $70,000 for initial OPT program applications and $30,000 for renewals. The policy aims to address concerns regarding fraud and visa program abuse.

Why it matters

The proposal marks a significant regulatory shift for international students who rely on the Optional Practical Training program to gain work experience in the United States. It remains unclear how institutions will absorb these costs and whether the measure will survive anticipated legal challenges.

The plan requires schools to pay $70,000 for every initial OPT student and $30,000 for every renewal. Students are currently eligible for one year of work post-graduation, with an extra two years available for specific STEM majors.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

This cabinet-level federal agency is responsible for overseeing public security and the administration of immigration and visa programs in the United States.

The details

The Department of Homeland Security mandate would require universities to pay these fees for every participating student, potentially impacting program availability. The government has framed this as a necessary step to curb visa abuse, though higher education and business groups are expected to contest the rule.

Last year, the administration terminated the legal status of thousands of students.
This summer, the government finalized a rule limiting student stays to four years.
In September, a federal court blocked that four-year stay limit rule.
The new fee proposal was introduced by the Department of Homeland Security in October 2026.
A 60-day public comment period on the fee structure began this month.

Market Landscape

The proposal introduces new financial barriers to the Optional Practical Training work program that could reshape international student enrollment. It follows a pattern of heightened administrative scrutiny that positions the agency against the interests of higher education institutions.

International students and their host universities may face massive increases in administrative costs if the fee structure is finalized. These changes could lead to reduced program availability or higher tuition fees for the broader student body.

The takeaway

The move suggests a long-term shift toward restrictive policies for international scholars and workers. Students should monitor the upcoming comment period as it may dictate the future availability of work-study opportunities.