On July 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the addition of new STEM fields of study within the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (“STEM list”). This notice may impact qualifying F–1 nonimmigrant students who seek a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.
The STEM list is used to determine whether a degree obtained by an F–1 nonimmigrant student qualifies as a STEM degree, as required for the F–1 nonimmigrant student to be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension.
New STEM Fields of Study to be Added:
- Landscape Architecture (04.0601): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or development of new technologies using natural sciences, engineering, and mathematics.
- Institutional Research (13.0608): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using mathematics and computer science.
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician (15.0407): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using engineering and computer science.
- Composite Materials Technology/Technician (15.0617): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or development of new technologies using engineering, physical sciences, and computer science.
- Linguistics and Computer Science (30.4801): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using computer science.
- Developmental and Adolescent Psychology (42.2710): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using biological sciences.
- Geospatial Intelligence (43.0407): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using mathematics and computer science.
- Demography and Population Studies (45.0501): This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies using mathematics and computer science.
Background
- In 2016, DHS published a final rule providing a 24-month extension of OPT for F–1 nonimmigrant students who majored in a designated STEM field of study. The 2016 STEM Rule stated that DHS will continue to consider suggested additions or deletions to the STEM list and may publish updates to the STEM list in the Federal Register.
- In 2022, DHS published a Federal Register notice announcing the addition of 22 qualifying fields of study to the STEM list. The Federal Register notice also included instructions on how to nominate CIP codes for potential inclusion on or removal from the STEM list. DHS received 285 nominations, representing 120 unique fields of study, to be added to the STEM list.
- DHS is now announcing that a number of the fields of study submitted for consideration will be added to the STEM list.
Next Steps
Eligible students are required to submit a Form I–765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document, and a Form I–983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” to ensure that they are receiving the academic and training benefits of the STEM OPT extension.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to share updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.