USCIS Fee Hikes Effective July 30, 2007 A USCIS final rule published on May 30, 2007 substantially raises the filing fees of most applications and petitions, including many forms used for international students and scholars. The fee hikes become effective on July 30, 2007. The fee hike that will affect students with F-1 visas the most is the increased fee for I-765 or Optional Practical Training. Prior to July 30, the application fee will be $180, on July 30 the fee will be $340.  August 2007 graduates should submit their applications in June to avoid paying this increased fee. This fee hike also affects the cost of applying for an H-1B visa and permanent residency.  For more information on the fee hikes, please visit:  http://www.nafsa.org/regulatory_information.sec/regulatory_document_library.dlib/fees_forms_and_processing/uscis_fee_schedule_effective