FASEB Urges DHS to Withdraw Proposed OPT Fees

By: CJ Neely
Thursday, November 12, 2026
On October 28, FASEB submitted comments urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to withdraw its proposed rule establishing fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The proposal would require schools to pay $70,000 for an initial OPT recommendation and $30,000 for subsequent recommendations, including STEM OPT extensions. FASEB warned that these costs could disrupt biomedical research, restrict access to training, and weaken the nation’s ability to retain scientists educated at U.S. institutions.

OPT provides an important pathway from a U.S. degree into the research workforce. In its comments, FASEB cited data showing that approximately two-thirds of international doctoral graduates on F-1 visas were approved for OPT. By making this pathway prohibitively expensive, the proposed fees could undermine years of investment in scientific training and encourage talented international graduates to pursue research careers elsewhere rather than using their expertise to contribute to the U.S. biomedical research enterprise.

FASEB emphasized the consequences for laboratories, institutions, and trainees. Institutions with fewer resources could struggle to support OPT participation, making access to research opportunities depend on institutional finances or a student’s ability to pay. The proposal also leaves important questions unresolved, including how fees would apply when students transfer institutions or pursue additional degrees and whether federal research funds could be used to cover the costs.

While supporting DHS’s goal of preventing fraud, FASEB questioned how the proposed fees would advance that objective. The comments noted that revenue would go to the general Treasury rather than support investigations, site visits, or other oversight activities. FASEB urged DHS to address documented misconduct through targeted oversight and noted that the proposal cited no OPT fraud case involving a research university or nonprofit research organization.

If DHS proceeds, FASEB recommended exempting OPT training at universities and nonprofit research organizations, exempting STEM OPT extensions, and declining to impose a new $70,000 fee at each higher degree level. The comments emphasized that STEM OPT already includes safeguards such as employer participation in E-Verify, formal training plans, and DHS site visits.

FASEB’s response underscored that retaining international scientists is essential to sustaining U.S. leadership in biomedical research and realizing the benefits of the nation’s investment in their training. FASEB urged DHS to withdraw the proposed fees and pursue targeted oversight that addresses fraud while preserving pathways for talented scientists to contribute to American research and discovery.