Northwestern urges DHS to withdraw proposed OPT fee increase in Nov. 9 public comment
Key points
- DHS proposed on Oct. 7 a one-time $70,000 fee per F-1 visa holder
- Each subsequent OPT experience would cost an additional $30,000; the current filing fee is about $500
- Northwestern filed a public comment on Nov. 9 asking DHS to withdraw the proposal
Northwestern filed a public comment on Nov. 9 asking the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its proposed OPT fee increase.
DHS's Oct. 7 proposal outlines a one-time fee of $70,000 per F-1 visa holder, plus $30,000 for each subsequent OPT experience, versus a current filing fee of about $500. Not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Monitor the final outcome of the DHS OPT fee proposal
- Assess OPT-related workforce costs and student hiring plans
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- Federal
- Status
- Proposed rule
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- F-1 visa holders participating in OPT and STEM OPT
- Official source
- View official source ↗
Original report: The Daily Northwestern ↗AI-assisted brief; may contain inaccuracies. Rely on the original reports and official documents. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.