A coalition representing nearly 600 US colleges and universities has urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed fee structure for Optional Practical Training (OPT), warning that charges of up to $100,000 for initial training and a STEM extension could make the programme inaccessible to many international students.
It argued that the department had not adequately justified the fee amounts or demonstrated how they would prevent fraud and protect American workers. The alliance also warned that the proposed fees could discourage students from choosing the US for higher education . The Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration submitted its objections in a comment letter responding to a DHS proposed rule published on October 8. Under the proposal, colleges and universities would have to pay $70,000 before recommending a student for initial OPT and another $30,000 for a subsequent recommendation, including a STEM OPT extension. In its November 9 submission, the alliance called on DHS to withdraw the proposal in its entirety and keep the OPT programme intact. Citing estimates in its submission, the alliance said OPT starts could decline by 79% if universities had to pay the full $100,000 for a student to access initial OPT and a STEM extension. Citing an October 2026 Institute for Progress survey of 734 current and former international students, it said 69% would probably or definitely not have enrolled under the proposed fee structure. Among STEM respondents, the figure was 70%. The submission cited NAFSA estimates that international students contributed $42.9 billion to the US economy and supported 355,736 jobs during the 2024-25 academic year. It also said approximately 294,000 international students participated in OPT during that period.
The organisation said the proposed charges, along with additional administrative expenses, would force institutions to absorb substantial costs, seek contributions from students or employers , or limit the number of OPT recommendations. The alliance said restricting access to practical training could affect university research , employer partnerships and opportunities for domestic students.
