DHS Tweaks Contract Forms: No Extra Hassle for Businesses

2026-20660, Optional Practical Training Fees

Starting soon, international students using Optional Practical Training (OPT) will face new fees: $70,000 for their first OPT and $30,000 for any extra OPT periods. This change aims to stop fraud and protect U.S. workers. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by November 9, 2026!

2026-20650, Low-Value Shipments

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proposing new rules to make importing low-value goods (under $2,500) easier and more electronic, especially for mail shipments. They want to add new data requirements for carriers and require bonds for some shipments to keep things safe and smooth. If you’re involved in shipping or receiving small packages, get ready to adapt by December 7, 2026, when comments on these changes close.

2026-20087, Clarification of Certain Mariner Training Requirements

The Coast Guard wants to simplify training rules for certain mariners, like Masters and Officers in charge of smaller vessels and engineers with big engines. They’re removing six outdated or duplicate requirements to make things clearer and easier while matching international standards. If you’re affected, get ready to share your thoughts by December 30, 2026—no extra costs, just smoother sailing ahead!

2026-20016, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment-Based Immigrant Visa, Fifth Preference (EB-5) Fee Rule

Starting November 30, 2026, USCIS is updating the fees for the EB-5 immigrant visa program, which helps investors and their families get green cards. These changes reflect new rules from the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022 and include adjusted costs to keep the program fair and efficient. If you're applying or renewing your EB-5 visa after this date, be ready to pay the new fees!

2026-17390, Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Electronic Export Manifest for Rail Cargo

Starting October 26, 2026, all rail cargo leaving the U.S. must have its export info sent electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). This new rule helps Customs keep cargo safe and makes trade smoother for rail exporters. Rail companies and exporters should get ready because enforcement begins a year later, on October 26, 2027.

2026-17324, Fee for Certain H-1B Petitions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to establish a $103,265 fee, payable at the time of filing, for all H-1B cap-subject petitions, including those eligible for the advanced degree exemption, which would be imposed in addition to all other applicable fees or payments. This fee would serve as a dedicated revenue mechanism to help recover a portion of the federal government's costs of administering the lawful immigration system, including activities carried out by DHS, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

Previous: 2025-09502, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Lease and Interchange of Vehicles

The FMCSA is renewing its approval to collect info about truck and passenger vehicle leases between carriers. This helps keep track of who’s leasing what and makes sure everyone follows the rules. If you’re a carrier leasing vehicles, get ready to keep your paperwork in check—no big changes or extra costs, just a smooth renewal process.

Next: 2025-09510, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Request for Comment; Vehicle Information for the General Public

NHTSA wants to bring back and update a form that collects vehicle info from the public. This affects anyone who shares vehicle details and aims to keep things clear and easy. They’re asking for final approval soon, so expect smooth info sharing without extra costs or hassle.