The US administration has proposed introducing a new fee for the OPT program, which allows international students studying in the country on F-1 student visas to gain practical work experience in their fields of study. Under the proposal, the fee for an initial OPT authorization would be $70,000, while subsequent authorizations and extensions of the STEM OPT period would incur an additional fee of $30,000.

The proposed rule, prepared by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was published in the Federal Register, the official journal of the US government, on October 8, 2026. At present, the proposal is not a final rule but a draft submitted for public comment.

What Is the OPT Program?

OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a program that allows international students studying in the United States on F-1 visas to gain practical work experience related to their fields of study.

Generally, students may obtain OPT authorization for up to 12 months after completing their higher education studies. Students who have studied science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may extend this period by an additional 24 months under the STEM OPT program, provided they meet the relevant requirements.

Currently, the fees associated with applying for OPT are significantly lower than the amounts specified in the new proposal. Therefore, if the proposal is adopted, the financial conditions associated with participating in the program could change substantially.

Who Would Have to Pay the $70,000 Fee?

Under the proposed rules, the $70,000 fee would not be charged directly to the student. Instead, it would apply to the higher education institution that advises the student on OPT and is certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

In other words, the institution would have to pay the relevant fee before advising a student on OPT. It remains unclear how such expenses might affect universities’ financial policies or the terms and conditions they offer students.

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, the proposal aims to prevent fraud within the OPT program, improve the integrity of the immigration system, and protect the interests of American workers.

When Could the New Rules Take Effect?

The proposal has not yet taken effect. According to the published information, public comments will be accepted until November 9, 2026. After that, the relevant authorities may review the submissions and make a decision on the final version of the rules.

If the proposal is approved, the new requirements are expected to take effect 60 days after the final rule is officially published.

Therefore, the rules currently applicable to international students studying in the United States and planning to participate in OPT do not automatically change as a result of this proposal. The relevant rules must be finalized and formally adopted before the new fees can be implemented.

If approved in the future, this initiative could affect the plans of international students, including students from Turkmenistan, who intend to study in the United States and gain professional experience after completing their studies.