Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposes $70,000 Fee for OPT and $30,000 Fee for STEM OPT

On October 7, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a proposed rule that would require U.S. universities to pay a $70,000 fee for each F-1 student's Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization and $30,000 for subsequent STEM OPT requests.  

Under the proposed rule, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) would not approve student’s OPT application unless the university has paid the required fee.  DHS will accept public comments for 30 days after October 8 when the proposed rule was formally published in the Federal Register. 

What Does This Mean for Drexel?  

The proposed rule has no immediate impact on F-1 students applying OPT or STEM OPT, employers, or Drexel. Current OPT and STEM OPT application processes remain unchanged. Any changes will take effect only if DHS moves forward with the proposed rule after reviewing public comments, publishes the final rule, and implements its requirements.  

For additional information, please refer to the Klasko Immigration Law Partners alert and Fragomen insight, which provide further analysis of the proposed rule, its potential implications for students, universities, and employers, and possible next steps. 

Should you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to ISSS at isss@drexel.edu