Trump administration proposes $70,000 OPT fee for international students, potentially impacting universities

The Department of Homeland Security has formally proposed a rule that would impose a $70,000 fee on U.S. universities for each international student they recommend for Optional Practical Training (OPT). An additional $30,000 fee would apply to STEM graduates seeking extended OPT. This proposal, published in the Federal Register on October 8, 2026, is anticipated to have a significant impact on higher education institutions and international student enrollment.