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 critical 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.
In addition to this comment letter, Columbia has submitted declarations supporting the Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration and its partners in lawsuits challenging changes to Duration of Status and Fixed Time Period Visas and Curricular Practical Training.
