What would a $70,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) mean for your institution, your students, and the employers who hire them?

In this episode, host Elise Fialkowski is joined by Ian Wilson to break down the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed rule, published October 8, that would impose significant new fees on F-1 students’ OPT. Drawing on decades of experience advising universities, including Ian’s eight years in-house at a university, they explain how the rule would work, who would pay, and why the timing matters for the spring 2027 OPT cycle.

Under the proposal, institutions would pay $70,000 before recommending a student’s initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. Elise and Ian discuss:
The proposed timeline, including the November 9 comment deadline and a possible final rule as early as January 2027
Why universities and employers should submit comments, and what makes a comment effective
Parallels to the recently enjoined rule eliminating duration of status
The rule’s narrow refund provisions and open questions about fees across degree levels
How international offices can communicate with current and prospective students
What employers with OPT and STEM OPT employees should consider now

They also look at how the proposal fits alongside recent changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) guidance and H-1B fees. The episode was recorded on October 15, 2026, and as Elise and Ian emphasize, this is still only a proposed rule. Nothing has changed yet.

Whether you’re advising international students, managing a university’s immigration program, or hiring OPT talent, this episode offers a clear look at what’s proposed, what isn’t in effect, and how to prepare.

Speakers on this episode are:
Elise Fialkowski, Partner 
Ian Wilson, Senior Associate

Stay connected with us:
Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sign up for our newsletter and email updates.

Schedule a consultation here.

What would a $70,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) mean for your institution, your students, and the employers who hire them?
In this episode, host Elise Fialkowski is joined by Ian Wilson to break down the Department of Homeland Security&rsquo;s (DHS) proposed rule, published October 8, that would impose significant new fees on F-1 students&rsquo; OPT. Drawing on decades of experience advising universities, including Ian&rsquo;s eight years in-house at a university, they explain how the rule would work, who would pay, and why the timing matters for the spring 2027 OPT cycle.
Under the proposal, institutions would pay $70,000 before recommending a student&rsquo;s initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. Elise and Ian discuss:
<ul>
<li>The proposed timeline, including the November 9 comment deadline and a possible final rule as early as January 2027</li>
<li>Why universities and employers should submit comments, and what makes a comment effective</li>
<li>Parallels to the recently enjoined rule eliminating duration of status</li>
<li>The rule&rsquo;s narrow refund provisions and open questions about fees across degree levels</li>
<li>How international offices can communicate with current and prospective students</li>
<li>What employers with OPT and STEM OPT employees should consider now</li>
</ul>
They also look at how the proposal fits alongside recent changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) guidance and H-1B fees. The episode was recorded on October 15, 2026, and as Elise and Ian emphasize, this is still only a proposed rule. Nothing has changed yet.
Whether you&rsquo;re advising international students, managing a university&rsquo;s immigration program, or hiring OPT talent, this episode offers a clear look at what&rsquo;s proposed, what isn&rsquo;t in effect, and how to prepare.
Speakers on this episode are:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/elise-fialkowski/">Elise Fialkowski</a>, Partner </li>
<li><a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/team/ian-wilson/">Ian Wilson</a>, Senior Associate</li>
</ul>
Stay connected with us:
<ul>
<li>Follow us on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/klaskoimmigration/">LinkedIn</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/klaskoimmigrationlaw/">Facebook</a>.</li>
<li>Sign up for our <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/subscribe/">newsletter and email updates</a>.</li>
</ul>
Schedule a consultation <a href="https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/">here</a>.

Welcome to Statutes of Liberty: An Immigration Podcast by Klasko Immigration Law Partners. 

The United States is many things: a great melting pot, a nation of immigrants, a land of opportunity. Millions have journeyed here seeking freedom and the chance for a better life. Belief in the American ideal means providing opportunities for everyone, regardless of race or birthplace, to achieve their highest potential. 

Join us as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Statutes of Liberty

Join the attorneys of Klasko Immigration Law Partners in this podcast, Statutes of Liberty, as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

Join the attorneys of Klasko Immigration Law Partners in this podcast, Statutes of Liberty, as we unravel the ins and outs of American immigration policy, from the issues of today to the historic basis for laws already in place.

What would a $70,000 fee on Optional Practical Training (OPT) mean for your institution, your students, and the employers who hire them?  In this episode, host Elise Fialkowski is joined by Ian Wilson to break down the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) proposed rule, published October 8, that would impose significant new fees on F-1 students’ OPT. Drawing on decades of experience advising universities, including Ian’s eight years in-house at a university, they explain how the rule would work, who would pay, and why the timing matters for the spring 2027 OPT cycle.  Under the proposal, institutions would pay $70,000 before recommending a student’s initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT. Elise and Ian discuss:  •	The proposed timeline, including the November 9 comment deadline and a possible final rule as early as January 2027 •	Why universities and employers should submit comments, and what makes a comment effective •	Parallels to the recently enjoined rule eliminating duration of status •	The rule’s narrow refund provisions and open questions about fees across degree levels •	How international offices can communicate with current and prospective students •	What employers with OPT and STEM OPT employees should consider now  They also look at how the proposal fits alongside recent changes to Curricular Practical Training (CPT) guidance and H-1B fees. The episode was recorded on October 15, 2026, and as Elise and Ian emphasize, this is still only a proposed rule. Nothing has changed yet.  Whether you’re advising international students, managing a university’s immigration program, or hiring OPT talent, this episode offers a clear look at what’s proposed, what isn’t in effect, and how to prepare.  Speakers on this episode are: •	Elise Fialkowski, Partner  •	Ian Wilson, Senior Associate  Stay connected with us: •	Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. •	Sign up for our newsletter and email updates. •	Schedule a consultation here.