Rule notice: proposed rule published 2026-10-08 (Federal Register 2026-20660)
A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on 2026-10-08: “Optional Practical Training Fees” (document 2026-20660).
We are reviewing what it means; confirm with your school's DSO (F-1) or your sponsor's RO (J-1).
Official sources
USAnaru™ pages affected
- Boarding-school application checklist: a 12-month timeline — related
- F-1 at a U.S. public high school: 12-month limit and full-cost reimbursement — related
- J-1 secondary school student exchange: the rules (22 CFR 62.25) — related
- Template: request to your bank for a balance / sponsorship letter — related
- Template: financial support statement (parent or sponsor) — related
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) — related
- Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, J-1) — related
- SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1 $350 · J-1 $220) — related
- Travel day checklist: what to carry to the U.S. port of entry — related
- Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) — related
- Maintaining F-1 and J-1 status: the basics (fixed admission period since Sept. 15, 2026) — related
- Transferring schools on F-1 (SEVIS transfer) — related
Questions
What changed?
A proposed rule was published in the Federal Register on 2026-10-08: “Optional Practical Training Fees” (document 2026-20660). USAnaru™ does not interpret it yet. Read the official text: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20660/optional-practical-training-fees
What should I do now?
Confirm with your school's DSO (F-1) or your exchange sponsor's RO (J-1) before you act. Information, not legal advice.
Related documents
- Boarding-school application checklist: a 12-month timeline · Checklist
- F-1 at a U.S. public high school: 12-month limit and full-cost reimbursement · Rule
- Template: request to your bank for a balance / sponsorship letter · Template
- Template: financial support statement (parent or sponsor) · Template
- Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) · Official form or fee
- SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1 $350 · J-1 $220) · Official form or fee · $350
Sources
- Federal Register — document 2026-20660 — Federal Register
- eCFR — 8 CFR part 214 (current text) — eCFR
General information as of Oct 12, 2026, not legal, immigration or admissions advice. Each school, the U.S. Department of State and SEVP decide; check the school's own pages and official sources before you act.
