Government Proposes New Fees for Student Work Permits
The government wants to change how much F-1 students pay for their work permits after graduation, and you can share your thoughts.
Affects: F1, OPT · Source: Federal Register · Action may be needed
What happened
The U.S. government has announced a proposed new rule. This rule suggests changes to the fees for Optional Practical Training, also known as OPT. OPT allows international students to work in the U.S. after they finish school.
This is not a final rule yet. It is a proposal, meaning the government is asking people what they think about it. You have a chance to tell the government your opinion on these possible changes.
The proposed rule is 35 pages long. It details how the fees might change and why the government thinks these changes are needed.
By the numbers
- 35 pages — length of the proposed rule document
- 60 days — length of the comment period
The bigger picture
Before this proposal, international students with an F-1 visa could apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to gain work experience. There were fees associated with applying for OPT, but this proposal suggests new or changed fees. The government wants to make sure the OPT program is used correctly and fairly.
The government says it is proposing these changes to fight against fraud and misuse of the OPT program. They also state that these changes aim to protect American workers. Another reason is to set up clear fees for the OPT program and make some small technical updates to the rules.
What this means for you
F1 students
If this rule becomes final, you might have to pay new or different fees for your Optional Practical Training. This includes both the regular OPT and the STEM OPT extension. The exact amount of these new fees is not yet final.
Employers
The announcement does not say that employers will pay new fees directly. However, changes to OPT fees could affect how many students apply for OPT. This might indirectly affect employers who hire international students.
Green card applicants
This proposed rule is about work permits for students, not green card applications. There is no direct change for you from this announcement.
All immigrants
This proposal focuses only on Optional Practical Training for F-1 visa students. It does not directly change rules or fees for other types of immigrants or visas.
What you should do
- If you are an F-1 student or someone affected by OPT, you can submit comments to the Department of Homeland Security. You have until December 7, 2026, to share your thoughts on this proposed rule.
Key dates
- 2026-10-08: Government announces proposed rule in the Federal Register
- 2026-12-07: Deadline to submit comments on the proposed rule
Words explained
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- A program that lets international students with an F-1 visa work in the U.S. for a limited time after they finish their studies.
- F-1 visa
- A type of visa that allows international students to study at schools and universities in the United States.
- Proposed Rule
- A suggestion for a new rule or a change to an old rule that the government shares to get public feedback before it becomes final.
- Federal Register
- A daily newspaper of the U.S. government that publishes proposed and final rules, public notices, and other official documents.
- Comment Period
- A specific time when the public can send their thoughts and opinions to the government about a proposed rule.
Common questions
What is a proposed rule?
A proposed rule is like a draft of a new law or change. The government shares it to get ideas and feedback from people. It is not final yet, and changes can still be made based on what people say.
Will I have to pay more for OPT?
This is only a proposal, so no new fees are in place right now. The government is suggesting new fees, but they are not final. We do not know the exact amounts or if these fees will be approved as proposed.
What can I do about this proposed rule?
You can submit comments to the government to share your opinion. This is your chance to tell them what you think about the suggested changes to OPT fees. Your comments can help them decide what to do next.
When will these changes happen?
This is only a proposed rule. The government will review all comments received during the comment period. It is not known yet if or when these changes will become final. If it becomes final, there would be a new announcement.
This is a plain-English explanation, not legal advice. Confirm with the official source or a licensed immigration attorney.