US OPT Fee 2026 plans are attracting attention after a proposed fee for Optional Practical Training cleared a key US regulatory review stage. The proposal concerns OPT, a post-study employment pathway used by many international students after completing eligible US programmes. The Department of Homeland Security has not yet announced a final fee amount, although reports have cited a possible charge as high as $100,000. The proposal must still go through publication in the Federal Register and a public notice-and-comment process before any final rule can take effect. For Indian students, the development is significant because OPT and STEM OPT are commonly considered when evaluating the overall cost and career pathway associated with US education. Students should not treat the reported amount as a final fee. They should monitor official DHS announcements and university international offices for confirmed details, implementation dates and any transition provisions.
US OPT Fee 2026: Proposed $100,000 Charge Raises Student Concerns
