International students at Everett Community College and Washington State University Everett could lose access to post-graduation work permits under a federal proposal that would charge schools $70,000 per student.

The Department of Homeland Security published the proposed rule on Wednesday, Oct. 7, targeting Optional Practical Training (OPT). The program lets foreign students on F-1 visas work in jobs related to their major for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can add 24 months, for up to three years total.

Under the proposal, schools would pay $70,000 the first time they recommend a student for OPT and $30,000 for each later recommendation, including STEM extensions. A school official could not submit the recommendation until the fee was paid, according to the Lynnwood Times, which first reported on the rule's local implications.

DHS acknowledged that schools could pass the cost to students, employers or the broader student body. The agency said that pass-through would itself discourage people whose main aim is work rather than study.

EvCC is federally authorized to enroll F-1 students, according to the college's 2025-2026 catalog. WSU Everett reported 4.8% international students systemwide in fall 2025. Neither institution has issued a public statement on the proposal.

Local enrollment already under pressure

The fee proposal lands as Everett's colleges navigate declining international enrollment. EvCC saw a 19% drop in international students in fall 2025, according to The Daily Herald. Sonel Shropshire, EvCC's associate vice president of equity and social justice, said in September 2025 that visa regulations, security screenings and shifting immigration policies had created uncertainty for prospective international students.

WSU Everett enrolled 253 students in fall 2025, a 6.8% increase from the prior year and its highest total since fall 2020, according to WSU enrollment data. The university does not break out its international student count by campus.

What the rule proposes

OPT has no statutory cap, unlike the H-1B visa program. In 2024, 194,554 students held OPT work authorization, nearly double the annual H-1B limit of 85,000. DHS said it set the $70,000 fee to match H-1B costs so OPT would not become a cheaper alternative.

DHS stated in the proposed rule that without the fees, it cannot operate OPT consistent with its fraud-prevention mission and may shut down the program entirely. Small schools would not be exempt. The agency estimated 56% of certified schools are small entities and said an exemption would leave fraud risk in place.

Immigration lawyer Steven Brown told PBS NewsHour he views the proposal as designed to end the program without formally eliminating it. "I don't see too many schools wanting to pay $70,000 for a student to get OPT," Brown said.

How to comment

The rule is not yet in force. Public comments are open through Monday, Nov. 9, at regulations.gov under docket ICEB-2026-0100. If finalized as written, the fees would take effect 60 days after the final rule appears in the Federal Register.