Trump administration proposes $70,000 fee for OPT program, raising concerns for biotech talent pipeline

The Department of Homeland Security announced a proposal to charge $70,000 for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows international students on F-1 visas to work in the United States after graduation.

The agency says the fee is intended to curb fraud and abuse and to give U.S. workers a competitive edge in the job market.

Experts in biotech and academia warn that such a steep cost could discourage foreign scientists and engineers from coming to the U.S., potentially shrinking the talent pool that fuels pharmaceutical research.

The proposal also mentions an additional $30,000 charge for certain students, though details were not fully disclosed, and the policy is expected to face pushback from universities and industry groups.