The $100,000 Fee Causing Panic
Recent reports have circulated about the US government considering a staggering $100,000 fee for students to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT). This news has, understandably, sent shockwaves through the international student community.
However, it is crucial to understand the context. This is a proposal that was reportedly under discussion within the Department of Homeland Security; it is not a final rule or an implemented policy. Immigration law experts have noted that such a fee would likely face significant legal challenges, pointing out that a similar $100,000 fee for H-1B visas was struck down in court. While the suggestion itself creates uncertainty, this potential fee is not an immediate reality for students planning their careers. For now, it remains a controversial idea, not an active regulation.
The Real Change: An End to 'Duration of Status'
A far more concrete and immediate change impacting all F-1 international students is the elimination of 'Duration of Status' (D/S), which becomes effective September 15, 2026. For years, students were admitted to the US for D/S, meaning they could legally remain in the country as long as they maintained their student status and had a valid I-20 form. This provided flexibility for program extensions or transitions to practical training. Under the new rule, students will be given a fixed 'Admit Until Date' (AUD) on their I-94 arrival record. This date will typically be their program's end date, capped at a maximum of four years. This policy shift fundamentally alters how students must manage their legal status in the US, especially when their academic program or post-study work plans extend beyond this fixed date.
What This Means for Your OPT
The end of 'Duration of Status' has a direct impact on applying for OPT. Since your authorized stay is now tied to a fixed date, you will likely need to proactively apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to cover your OPT period. This involves filing a new form—the I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status—and paying its associated fee. This introduces an extra step, additional cost, and another processing timeline into what was already a complex process. It increases the risk of delays between graduation and the start of work, making careful planning with your university's international student office more critical than ever. You are no longer automatically covered for your practical training period and must apply to have your stay extended.
An Actual, Smaller Fee Increase
While the $100,000 fee remains speculative, a different, much smaller fee increase has already been implemented. Effective March 1, 2026, USCIS raised the fee for its optional premium processing service. For students filing Form I-765 for OPT or STEM OPT, the cost to expedite their application through premium processing increased from $1,685 to $1,780. This $95 increase is an inflation-based adjustment authorized by law and is not related to the more dramatic proposals being discussed. It’s important to remember that premium processing is a choice for students who wish to have their application reviewed faster; it is not a mandatory fee for a standard OPT application.
Putting the Changes in Perspective
For Indian students and their families, who make enormous investments in US education, any new cost or procedural hurdle is a serious concern. The administration's rationale for these changes varies. The move away from 'Duration of Status' is framed by DHS as a measure to improve oversight and national security. The modest increase in premium processing fees, on the other hand, is a routine adjustment by USCIS to cover its operational costs and keep pace with inflation. Understanding the distinction is key. The sensational $100,000 proposal is political noise for now, but the procedural shift requiring an Extension of Stay for OPT is a real change that requires immediate attention and planning.
