# Federal Register #2026-20660

DHS proposes fees for F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training

**Buyer:** U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
**Posted:** October 08, 2026
**Respond By:** November 10, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-20660

The Department of Homeland Security is proposing fees for F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training, rather than soliciting products or services.
- **Government entities:** U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the proposal concerns students at Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institutions.
- **Proposed fees:** $70,000 for a student's initial OPT participation and $30,000 for each subsequent OPT participation. The initial fee would apply to the student's first type of OPT; subsequent fees would apply to later participation.
- **Stated purpose:** DHS says the fees are intended to combat fraud, strengthen immigration-system integrity, and protect U.S. workers.
- **Procurement status:** This is a proposed regulation, not a procurement opportunity. No products, services, quantities, part numbers, OEMs, or vendors are identified.

### Description

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposes fees for F-1 nonimmigrant students engaging in Optional Practical Training (OPT) through a Student and Exchange Visitor Program-certified institution. The proposed fee is $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. The stated purposes are to combat fraud, strengthen the integrity of the immigration system, and protect U.S. workers. General comments are due November 9, 2026, and information collection comments are due December 7, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20660/optional-practical-training-fees)