Columbia University Submits Comment Letter on Proposed Optional Practical Training Fees

The University has opposed proposed fees of $70,000 for initial Optional Practical Training and $30,000 for STEM OPT extensions.

November 11, 2026

Columbia University has submitted a public comment letter urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to withdraw its proposed fees for Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

The program allows eligible international students to gain work experience related to their field of study.

In the letter, Columbia said the proposed fees of $70,000 for initial OPT and $30,000 for STEM OPT extensions would fundamentally reshape the OPT program, harming Columbia and similar institutions of higher education as well as the nation.

Read Columbia University’s full comment letter (PDF).