Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find more information about the Post-Completion Administrative Fee.
Last Updated on December 16, 2021
What is the Post-Completion Administrative Fee?
The Post-Completion Administrative Fee is a new fee that will be collected when a graduating student or recently graduating student is applying for one of the following U.S. government training authorization programs:
- F-1 Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)
- J-1 Post-Completion Academic Training
How much is the post-completion administrative fee?
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT): $100.00
Post-Completion Academic Training (new and extension): $100.00
STEM OPT: $300.00
Who needs to pay the post-completion administrative fee?
- F-1 status graduating students or alumni who are applying for the initial post-completion 12-month OPT work authorization.
- F-1 alumni who are applying for the additional 24-month STEM OPT extension authorization.
- J-1 status graduating students applying for Academic Training authorization for training that continues or begins after academic program completion. Fee applies to degree seeking and non-degree students.
When will the fee begin?
The fee will be implemented for requests for Post-Completion OPT, OPT STEM and Post-Completion Academic Training applications submitted to the International Center on or after December 13, 2021.
How do I pay the fee?
You may pay the fee here.
Why is this fee being charged?
The fee is required for the International Center to comply with mandatory federal regulations and to maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security systems for F-1 and J-1 records for alumni, who are no longer enrolled students, during their post-completion training.
What are the benefits of the administrative fee?
The fee will allow the UCI International Center to provide advising, document processing and maintenance of SEVIS records for alumni. Additionally, staff will develop educational materials for alumni; and offer webinars, information sessions and tutorials.
Is the Administrative Fee different than the USCIS OPT application fee submitted with the I-765?
Yes, these are different fees. The Administrative fee is paid to the UCI International Center and will support continued advising and reporting requirements during an alumnus OPT, OPT STEM or AT work authorization period.
The USCIS fee paid with the I-765 is a fee paid to the U.S. government to process the application for F-1 OPT and OPT STEM. J-1 visa holders do not pay a USCIS fee.
Do other U.S. universities charge the administrative Fee?
Yes, other colleges and universities, including other UC campuses, charge a fee to provide services to alumni during a post-completion training period.
Is the Post-Completion Administrative Fee refundable?
This fee is non-refundable except in cases where the UCI International Center is unable to recommend the OPT/OPT STEM/Academic Training due to ineligibility.