October 8, 2026
Message from ISSS Director regarding proposed rule establishing Optional Practical Training (OPT) fees
Dear international students,
As many of you are already aware, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a PROPOSED rule change this morning to establish a $70,000 initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) application fee and a $30,000 subsequent OPT application fee for a second application.
Please note that this is a proposed rule, and it is NOT currently in effect. There is a 30-day public comment period from October 8 to November 9, 2026. After the public comment period, DHS will review the comments and may revise the proposed rule based on public feedback, and make decisions on when/if to proceed with publishing a final rule.
While I understand this news is distressing to many of you, please remember that any official rule changes take time. As of right now, OPT applications are being processed as usual.
As always, we will post updates on our website and via email communication.
Best regards,
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
August 27, 2026
Message from ISSS Director regarding policy updates to Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Dear international students,
I am writing to share an update to policies related to Curricular Practical Training (CPT). SEVP/DHS recently sent out a guidance memo with instructions that CPT may only be authorized for practical training that is required for all students in the academic program. This means that CPT will not be authorized for any elective or optional courses, as of August 24, 2026. Any internship, practicum, co-op work experience, or other practical training, whether paid or unpaid, must be a required component of your degree program.
Best regards,
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
July 17, 2026
Message from ISSS Director regarding new rule on Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
Dear International Students and Scholars,
You may already be aware of the recently published regulations related to Duration of Status (D/S). Our office has been closely monitoring these developments since the rule was first proposed and has been preparing for the potential implications. Now that the final rule has been published, we are actively reviewing the details to better understand how these changes may affect current and future international students and scholars.
At this time, we are carefully evaluating the guidance and will provide additional information and recommendations as we gain a clearer understanding of the rule's implementation and potential impact.
Please note that the rule does not take effect until September 15, 2026.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this evolving situation. We recognize that you may have questions, and we are committed to sharing updates as soon as more information becomes available. We will hold virtual and in-person information sessions in the upcoming weeks to answer your questions. In the meantime, please wait for further communication from the ISSS Director.
Please continue to monitor your FIU email regularly and carefully review all messages sent by ISSS.
Please visit this website for more details.
Thank you,
International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS)
New ISSS fees effective December 1, 2025
Starting December 1, 2025, new non-student maintenance fees will go into effect. Please see below table of fees:
- F-1 Post-Completion OPT: $100
- F-1 STEM OPT Extension: $300 (increase from $250)
- J-1 Scholar Initial DS-2019: $250
- J-1 Scholar Extension: $200
- J-1 Academic Training: $100
- J-2 Dependent DS-2019: $50
All fees will be charged at the time of the request for the issuance of the I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1/2) for the above listed requests. Fees will NOT apply for any other type of I-20 request.
New International Student Services fee effective Fall 2026
On June 18, 2026, the Board of Trustees approved an International Student Services fee for enrolled international students. Degree-seeking students on an F-1 visa will be assessed a $75 fee on their student account each term, starting Fall 2026.