DHS proposes $70,000 fee for international students' practical training

Source: This report is based on an official public release from Student and Exchange Visitor Program. PULSE organizes and summarizes public government communications.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule on Oct. 8, 2026, establishing fees for F-1 international students seeking to engage in optional practical training.

Under the proposal, F-1 students would face a $70,000 charge for initial practical training and a $30,000 charge for the second year, with no additional fees in subsequent years.

DHS will accept public comments through Nov. 9, 2026. Separate comments related to the Paperwork Reduction Act must be submitted by Dec. 7, 2026.

After the comment period closes, DHS said it will review submissions and may revise the rule based on feedback before it takes final form.