Envoy Global reports that the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) finished reviewing DHS’s proposed “Optional Practical Training Fees” rule on Sept 11, releasing the action for Federal Register publication. The policy-watch alert, published Sept 14, signals that employers could soon face new costs when filing OPT work-authorization applications for F-1 graduates. Although DHS has not disclosed the fee amount, the rule is classified as “economically significant,” meaning annual economic impact of at least $100 million. Stakeholders speculate the fee could mirror the controversial $103,265 surcharge proposed in August for H-1B cap-subject petitions. If adopted, the OPT fee would hit companies that rely on pipeline hiring from U.S. universities, particularly in STEM fields. The timing is critical: OPT applications for May 2027 graduates will open early next year, and HR teams usually budget recruiting costs months in advance. An unexpected fee—potentially payable by either the student or the employer—could dampen campus hiring or shift costs onto grad budgets at a time of rising tuition. Employers should track the Federal Register for the notice-of-proposed-rulemaking, expected within weeks, and prepare comments. Immigration counsel recommend stress-testing workforce plans by modeling scenarios in which OPT becomes less accessible and H-1B filing faces a six-figure surcharge. Alternate strategies could include leveraging TN, E-3 or Canadian Global Skills mobility corridors.
Source: Envoy Global
