US F-1 OPT Fees May Increase as DHS Proposal Clears OMB Review
Following the OMB evaluation of the DHS plan, the US may impose higher F-1 OPT fees. Discover what Indian students should know about the next steps.
International students on the US F-1 visa may face increased fees when applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) finished its evaluation of a proposed Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rule.
The real charge amount remains undisclosed. DHS is scheduled to publish the proposal in the Federal Register, making the specifics and potential charges public.
What Happens Next?
The idea is not yet a rule and will not immediately affect OPT costs. Following publication, DHS is scheduled to initiate a 30- to 60-day public comment period.
The rule would go into effect only after DHS considers the comments, finalizes the regulation, and announces an implementation date.
For Indian students seeking to study and work in the United States, timing is critical. OPT is an important means for F-1 students to get job experience after finishing their studies, therefore any additional application fees would add to an already expensive US school journey.
Proposal came without prior warning
The OPT charge proposal was not included in the DHS regulatory agenda published in early July 2026. Instead, DHS submitted the plan to OMB for evaluation on August 20, 2026, which has now been completed.
The broader tendency is clear: US immigration officials are increasingly evaluating the fees associated with immigration and work-related applications, making it more difficult for overseas students to estimate future spending.
Students and employers will be able to submit comments once the plan is published in the Federal Register.
Travunited Take:
We consider this as a proposal, not an imminent fee increase. Indian students should wait for official data, but plan for greater OPT fees if DHS eventually approves the rule.
