Immigration Updates

The US Department of Homeland Security published a proposed rule that would add fees to the Optional Practical Training application process. 

This is a proposed rule. It is not currently in effect. When or if a final rule is published, it may be different from the proposal and would not apply to approved OPT, pending applications, or applications submitted in the 60-day transition period after any rule is published. DHS is accepting public comments until November 9. See guidance on submitting a public comment.

If this rule is implemented as proposed, key changes include:

• Requiring schools to pay a $70,000 fee before an initial or first period of OPT recommendation may be made. The university must confirm the fee is paid before issuing an I-20 for the student to move forward with the OPT application.
• Requiring schools to pay a $30,000 fee before recommending any subsequent periods of OPT or STEM OPT.

These are proposed changes that are not currently in effect.

OIE will continue to provide updates if or when any changes are published. Other trusted sources of information on this topic include NAFSA: Association of International Educators and the International Student Resource Center.

Changes do not go into effect until September 15. The changes are not retroactive.

There is a transition period for students, scholars, and dependents who are in the US with D/S on the effective date of the new rule, provided they remain in the US. These individuals will be transitioned to a fixed date of admission, which will be the current program end date on the I-20, DS-2019, or EAD plus grace period (not to exceed four years from the final rule effective date). Travel and reentry after September 15 will result in a fixed admission date on reentry.

• Replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with a fixed end date on the I-94 for individuals in F or J status. Students who are in the US with D/S when the new rule goes into effect will be granted a transition period.
• Limits periods of stay to a maximum of four years plus a 30-day grace period, with the possibility of requesting an extension, and reduces the F-1 grace period from 60 days to 30 days.
• Prevents undergraduate students from changing their major or transferring to another school during their first academic year.
• Prohibits graduate students from changing programs at any point during their program of study or from transferring (exceptions can be requested from SEVP).
• Prohibits students from pursuing another program at the same or a lower educational level. For example, an F-1 student who graduates from a master’s program would then be eligible for doctoral study (higher level) but not for a second master’s (same level) or a bachelor’s program (lower level).
• Requires students and scholars who need additional time to complete program requirements to apply to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Extension of Stay (EOS) after first working with OIE for an I-20/DS-2019 update to show the later program end date.
• Requires those applying for OPT or STEM OPT to also file for an extension of stay with USCIS.*
  *There is a transition period for students who are currently in the US and who will file for OPT or STEM OPT within six months of September 15.

Action to Take Now

• Program of Study: Check that the program of study on your I-20/DS-2019 is correct. This is especially important if you recently completed a change of major. If the major is not correct or if you have questions, reach out to the OIE.
• Program End Date: If you do not expect to graduate by the program end date listed on your I-20, reach out to the OIE.
• International Travel: Active students should plan to return to the US by August 24 for the start of classes. Those who are considering international travel after September 15 should understand that they will return with fixed date admission (not D/S) and will need to file an Extension of Stay with any OPT application.

Additional Resources

Elimination of Duration of Status Quick Facts | Study in the States

Elimination of Duration of Status Frequently Asked Questions | Study in the States

International Student Resource Center

The US Department of State has suspended F and J student and exchange visitor visa issuance for nationals of Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burma, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cote D’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, The Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and individuals traveling on documents issued or endorsed by the Palestinian Authority.

This pause is in response to Presidential Proclamation 10998. The new restrictions apply to foreign nationals outside the United States who do not hold a valid visa on the effective date (January 1, 2026). Individuals who are in the US in valid status remain in valid status. Visas issued before January 1, 2026, will not be revoked as a result of the proclamation but cannot be renewed under current restrictions.

Visa applicants may still submit visa applications and schedule interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.