The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a proposed rule that sharply increases fees for universities recommending F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).

The rule would impose a fee of $70,000 for each student submitting a first application for F-1 OPT and an additional fee of $30,000 for each student submitting a subsequent application for OPT or OPT STEM extension. These fees would be paid by the university, although DHS indicates that schools may choose to recover costs from students, employers, or other funding sources or cost-sharing arrangements. Read the proposed rule.

This is currently a proposed rule only. The rule will only take effect if published as a final rule in the Federal Register. 

More Information to Come

International Services is closely monitoring the public conversation over this proposed policy change. Organizations representing a range of higher education institutions are likely to comment. Cornell opposes this proposal and intends to submit a comment.

We’ll know more after the comment period. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support in the meantime if you have questions or concerns.