Please read below the recent developments regarding F-1 international practical training programs, such as CPT and OPT.
Higher Ed Coalitions File Federal Lawsuit Against Sudden CPT Policy Changes
A coalition of national higher education organizations including the Association of American Universities (AAU), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, and the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM) filed a lawsuit and a motion for preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts challenging the CPT Broadcast Messages. The plaintiffs are seeking an immediate injunction to stop the enforcement of these changes before they inflict further disruption on international students' academic programs, internships, and university operations.
DHS Proposes Substantial New Fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The Department of Homeland Security has issued a proposed rule that introduces steep institutional fees for institutions participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT). This is only a proposal. It has not been finalized, and the fees are not in effect. DHS states that the fees are intended to address fraud and abuse in the OPT program, protect U.S. workers, and offset government resources associated with OPT investigations.
- Proposed Fee Structure:
$70,000 for an initial OPT application per student.
$30,000 for any subsequent OPT applications (such as the two-year STEM extension).
Financial Responsibility: The rule explicitly places payment responsibility on the institution. DHS explicitly acknowledges that institutions may choose to pass these costs on to F-1 students, the general student body, or host employers.
We will continue to monitor both developments and share updates as they become available.