AAMC Warns DHS of ‘Deeply Negative Impact’ of OPT Fees

The AAMC on Nov. 3 submitted comments (PDF) urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) not to finalize the proposed rule to implement new fees for F-1 nonimmigrant students seeking to participate in optional practical training (OPT). OPT allows international students to gain work experience in their field, including postdoctoral research training. The proposed rule would “establish a $70,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for initial OPT and a $30,000 fee per F-1 nonimmigrant student for any subsequent OPT,” according to the DHS press release. 

In its response, the AAMC warned that finalizing the proposed rule would have a negative impact on the biomedical research workforce by deterring international PhD students from training in the United States. The AAMC emphasized the contributions of international students to academic medicine in its comments, noting, “International scholars contribute to the intellectual and cultural vibrance and scientific preeminence of the U.S. biomedical research enterprise.”