DHS Proposes New Fees for Foreign Student Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule to implement new fees for F-1 nonimmigrant students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). The proposed fees, $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for subsequent OPT, aim to reduce the flow of cheap labor, combat fraud and abuse, strengthen immigration system integrity, and protect U.S. workers.