A universal holder for optical subassembly devices includes a clamping element affixed to a main body. The main body of the holder includes four locating surfaces to accurately position the optical subassemblies in the transceiver module. The main body further includes a central opening that receives a front ferrule of the optical subassembly. The central opening locates the optical subassembly in the x-y plane so that the optical subassembly is concentric with the holder. The locating surfaces accurately seat the optical subassembly in the transceiver module. The clamping element comprises a plurality of clamping arms that contact the back side of a flange on the front ferrule of the optical subassembly. When the holder is assembled to the optical subassembly, hooked ends of the arms secure the holder to the flange.