The $100,000 Fee Controversy
In the summer of 2026, reports emerged that the Trump administration was considering a proposal to charge international students a $100,000 fee to participate in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. This program is the primary pathway for F-1
visa holders to gain work experience in the U.S. after graduation. It's crucial to understand that this is currently a proposal under discussion within the Department of Homeland Security; it is not a law or a final rule. Immigration experts have expressed doubts about its legality and likelihood of implementation, noting that similar fee proposals have been challenged in court. For now, the existing rules for OPT remain in effect, but the discussion highlights a tense and uncertain policy environment for international graduates.
What is Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period of temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Eligible students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT authorization, which they can use after completing their studies. For those who have earned a degree in specific science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, a 24-month extension is available, offering a total of up to 36 months of work experience. OPT is not just a job opportunity; for many, it's a critical bridge between a U.S. education and a long-term career, often serving as a precursor to employer-sponsored visas like the H-1B. Students cannot begin working until they receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The Application Window: Timing is Everything
The OPT application process is governed by strict timelines that offer little flexibility. You can file your application with USCIS as early as 90 days before your program completion date, but no later than 60 days after it. Your program completion date is the day you officially finish all requirements for your degree, which may or may not be your graduation ceremony date. Filing early is highly recommended. The average processing time for an OPT application is at least 90 days, and sometimes longer. Submitting your application at the earliest possible moment maximizes your chances of receiving your EAD card in time to start a job without delay. Waiting until after you graduate to apply could mean months of waiting without the ability to work.
Your First Step: The DSO Recommendation
Before you can even think about filling out government forms, your journey begins at your school. You must request an OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO), who is typically an advisor in your university's international student office. The DSO will verify your eligibility and endorse your Form I-20, which is your certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant status. This step is non-negotiable and time-sensitive. Once your DSO recommends you for OPT and updates your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a new clock starts ticking. You must file your Form I-765 application with USCIS within 30 days of the date the DSO entered the recommendation. If you miss this 30-day window, your application will be denied, and you will have to start the process over.
Filing With USCIS and the Waiting Game
With your new I-20 in hand, the next step is to file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. This can be done online or by mail. You will need to submit the form, the required fee, and supporting documents, such as copies of your passport and I-20. Once USCIS receives your application, you will get a receipt notice, which allows you to track your case status online. Then, the waiting begins. As processing times average 90 to 120 days, this period requires patience. During this time, you cannot legally work. Some applicants may also receive a request for biometrics (fingerprints) or a Request for Evidence (RFE) if any information is missing, which can add to the total processing time.
The EAD Card and Starting Employment
Approval comes in the form of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a physical card that looks like a driver's license. You cannot start working until you have the card in your possession and the start date printed on it has arrived. Your 12-month OPT clock begins on the start date listed on your EAD. It's important to note that standard post-completion OPT allows for a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment. If you are unemployed for more than 90 days, you will be in violation of your F-1 status. This makes finding a job in a timely manner a critical part of the OPT process, as the unemployment clock keeps ticking even before you find your first position.
