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US: Proposed OPT Fees for Universities, and the D/S Rule Remains Blocked

DHS has proposed that universities pay $70,000 before recommending a student for OPT. Comments close on 9 November, while a court keeps the end of 'duration of status' on hold.

Oct 15, 20262 min read

Two developments affect F-1 and J-1 students in the United States this autumn.

Proposed fees for Optional Practical Training

On 8 October 2026 the Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule on Optional Practical Training (OPT), the work period after studies. Universities would have to pay $70,000 before recommending a student for initial OPT and $30,000 for each later recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension. It is a proposal, not a final rule: public comments are open until 9 November 2026. Higher education groups such as the Presidents' Alliance oppose the fees.

"Duration of status" stays for now

A DHS rule published on 17 July 2026 would replace "duration of status", which lets students stay as long as they keep studying, with a fixed stay of up to four years or the length of the programme. It was due to start on 15 September, but on 14 September a federal court in Massachusetts blocked it while a lawsuit continues. Until the court decides, the current rules apply.

Also on hold

A court has also temporarily blocked the $100,000 payment for certain new H-1B workers since 30 September. The travel ban covering 39 countries still applies to F, J and M applicants from those countries who are outside the US without a valid visa.

Key points

  • Proposed: universities pay $70,000 for an initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for each later one.
  • Public comments on the OPT proposal close on 9 November 2026.
  • The rule ending duration of status is blocked by a court; current rules still apply.
  • The 39-country travel ban still applies to new F, J and M applicants.
What this means for you

If you rely on OPT, keep following our blog: we will report here as soon as the fee proposal becomes a final rule or is dropped.

Sources

Written by the Study and Work Abroad team in our own words from the sources above. Rules change often: before you apply, ask us to check the current rules for your case.

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