What happened
On 7 October, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposed a new fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT), the work permission most international graduates use after their degree. Under the proposal, each student's university would pay US$70,000 per student starting OPT, and a further US$30,000 for students who continue to a second period, such as the STEM extension. Universities could pass the cost on to employers or to students. Today, students pay about US$500 themselves. DHS says the change is needed to fight fraud in the programme.
The proposal is not final. It opens a 30-day public comment period after publication in the Federal Register on 8 October, and DHS must review those comments before it can publish a final rule.
Separately, on 5 October, the Association of American Universities, NAFSA, the Presidents' Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and a Massachusetts college association sued US immigration authorities over two August memos that tightened Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the internships taken during a course. Many universities paused elective CPT after the memos, and some students lost placements. The groups want the long-standing CPT rules restored.
What it means for you
- If you are choosing a US master's mainly to work there afterwards on OPT, the cost of that route could change. Budget for the possibility before you commit.
- Ask the universities on your list whether they would pass an OPT fee on to students, and whether elective internships (CPT) are running for your intake.
- Compare the same course in the UK, Canada or Australia, whose post-study work routes are not affected by this proposal.
UNIFER data: US courses
Sources
- OfficialUS Department of Homeland Security: Optional Practical Training fees: notice of proposed rulemaking (Federal Register)
- AnalysisFragomen: DHS proposes $70,000 fee for initial OPT and $30,000 fee for subsequent OPT periods
- Reported byICEF Monitor: US: Climate of uncertainty continues for international students amid legal action on internships and a proposed $70,000 OPT fee (8 October 2026). This story is based on their reporting; read the original for full detail.
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