The United States Department of Homeland Security has put forward an outstanding rule requiring SEVP certified schools to pay each student before first recommending OPT for F-1 students. USD 70,000 ； Renewed costs proposed USD 30,000 。 The public review also indicates that the school can apply for a refund on a case-by-case basis before the student has obtained the relevant OPT work permit.
Still a proposal, not a provision in force.
As of 8 October 2026, this is the proposed rule and remains subject to the procedure of the Federal Gazette; Schools and students should not take the amount as having already been collected. AP noted that, if legislation is completed, costs and the willingness of the school to provide OPT recommendations will be a significant risk for international students.
What should a student in Taiwan care about?
Those who are in the process of applying for an American degree and post-graduation internship should also be asked whether the International Student Office of the School will bear the costs, what types of OPT will be applied, and the date of entry into force of the final rules and transitional arrangements. No unofficial expenses are paid before the official rules are published.
Date of verification: 8 October 2026 (Taiwan Time).
