In a major development for noncitizen students studying in the U.S. and for the U.S. economy, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the addition of 22 new fields to the list of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree programs. This change allows foreign students on F-1 visas to take advantage of extended work opportunities in the U.S., helping to address the current labor shortage and supporting the country’s growing need for skilled workers.
The new rule extends the period during which international students can remain in the U.S. for practical training under Optional Practical Training (OPT). Previously, F-1 students could work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after graduation. With this update, students in these new fields will be eligible for an additional 24-month extension, giving them a total of three years of work experience in the U.S.
This move will have a significant impact on foreign students holding F-1 visas, especially those seeking opportunities to stay and work in the U.S. after completing their degrees. The changes also affect individuals who already have an OPT work permit.
What New Fields Are Now Eligible for OPT Extensions?
The addition of 22 new fields to the STEM degree list is a big win for international students looking to gain hands-on experience in the U.S. job market. The following fields have been added to the list:
- Bioenergy
- Forestry
- Forest Resources Production and Management
- Human-Centered Technology Design
- Cloud Computing
- Anthrozoology
- Climate Science
- Earth Systems Science
- Economics and Computer Science
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geobiology
- Geography and Environmental Studies
- Mathematical Economics
- Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science
- Data Science
- Data Analytics
- Business Analytics
- Data Visualization
- Financial Analytics
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Social Sciences
This list now reflects a broad range of fields that combine both technical skills and scientific expertise, providing greater flexibility and opportunity for international students.
Why Is This Change Important?
This expansion of the STEM OPT program is a direct response to the growing demand for skilled workers in industries such as technology, engineering, data analysis, and climate science. Many of these sectors have faced labor shortages in recent years, especially as businesses and industries push for more innovation and digital transformation.
By allowing international students to stay longer and gain work experience in the U.S., the Biden administration is acknowledging the value these students bring to both the workforce and the economy. These new graduates, many of whom are already highly trained, can help meet the needs of U.S. employers in key industries, filling critical positions that would otherwise go unfilled.
The decision to extend OPT for these new fields is seen as a positive first step toward making broader changes to the H-1B visa program. The H-1B visa is widely used by U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. Expanding the OPT program helps create a smoother pipeline for international students to transition into full-time employment under the H-1B visa, especially in sectors where the U.S. faces the most significant labor shortages.
Boosting U.S. Competitiveness
This move also helps ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the global economy. By attracting highly skilled workers and encouraging them to stay in the U.S. after graduation, the country can continue to lead in areas like technology, innovation, and climate science.
As more international students are encouraged to stay and work in the U.S. after graduation, this could benefit both the U.S. economy and the students themselves, giving them the chance to apply their education in real-world settings and contribute to American businesses and research efforts.
The expansion of the STEM OPT program with 22 new fields is an important development for both international students and the U.S. job market. By extending the period foreign students can work in the U.S. after graduation, the DHS is helping to address critical labor shortages while also creating more opportunities for skilled workers in key industries. If you’re an international student pursuing a degree in one of these newly added fields, this change could offer you valuable extended opportunities to live, work, and gain experience in the U.S. as you kickstart your career.
