Proposed Rule: Significant Fees for Pre-Completion, Post-Completion, & STEM OPT

ISSS understands that international students and scholars may have questions and concerns regarding the proposed regulation just released that would require universities to pay a $70,000 one-time initial fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) recommendations per student in F-1 visa status and a $30,000 fee for each subsequent recommendation per F-1 student for OPT.

Under the proposed rule, universities would have to pay the fee before Designated School Officials (DSOs) recommend F-1 nonimmigrant students for OPT in SEVIS and before F-1 students apply for employment authorization with USCIS. USCIS would not grant employment authorization to F-1 students if their university has not paid the required fee. The proposed fee would not be tied to a specific employer. Instead, it would apply when universities recommend an F-1 nonimmigrant student for any type of OPT. Collected fees would be deposited in the U.S. Treasury.

Our campus is carefully reviewing the proposed regulation, which has not yet become a final regulation. This government website explains the process, and the final regulation may differ from the proposed one. ISSS will share updates when more information becomes available.

We understand that this proposed regulation may cause anxiety and stress. We encourage you to access the campus resources listed below to help you navigate this uncertainty and any associated feelings.

Campus Resources

We want you to feel welcomed, supported, and safe throughout your time at CU Boulder and while you're in the United States. If you have questions or just need someone to talk to, ISSS is here to help.

While you can always talk to ISSS, here are some resources we recommend:

Thank you for choosing to be part of CU Boulder—we're glad you're here.