International students holding a US F-1 visa could soon face new or increased fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT) applications. This development follows the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)’s recent review completion of a proposed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule.
While the exact fee amounts remain unknown, the DHS is anticipated to publish the full proposal in the Federal Register soon. This publication will reveal the specific details and proposed charges for OPT applications, making them publicly accessible.
Next Steps for Proposed OPT Fees: What F-1 Students Should Know
It’s crucial to understand that this proposal is not yet a final rule, meaning there are no immediate changes to current OPT application costs. Following its publication, the DHS is expected to initiate a 30- or 60-day public comment period.
The new OPT fees will only take effect after the DHS thoroughly reviews all public comments, finalizes the regulation, and announces an official implementation date. This process ensures transparency and allows for stakeholder feedback.
For international students, particularly those from India planning their US education and career, these potential OPT cost increases are significant. OPT serves as a vital pathway for F-1 students to gain invaluable work experience post-graduation, and any added expense contributes to the already substantial cost of studying in the United States.
Unexpected Review of DHS OPT Fee Proposal
Notably, this OPT fee proposal was not included in the DHS regulatory agenda published in early July 2026. Instead, the DHS sent the proposal directly to the OMB for review on August 20, 2026, which has now concluded. This unscheduled review came as a surprise to many.
This trend underscores a broader pattern: US immigration authorities are consistently reassessing the costs associated with various immigration and work-related applications. Such unpredictable changes make it challenging for international students to accurately budget for their future expenses in the US.
Both students and employers will have a crucial opportunity to submit their feedback and comments once the proposal is officially published in the Federal Register.
Travelobiz Insight: What This Means for F-1 Students and OPT
At Travelobiz, we view this as a significant proposal rather than an immediate fee hike. Our advice for Indian students, and all international students, is to await the official figures from DHS. However, it’s prudent to proactively budget for potentially higher OPT costs, should the DHS ultimately finalize and implement this new rule.
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