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 also 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. They Include:
- 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 meet the needs of U.S. employers in key industries by filling critical positions that would otherwise remain unfilled.
The decision to extend OPT for these new fields marks a positive first step toward making broader changes to the H-1B visa program, which U.S. employers widely use 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 the U.S. encourages more international students to stay and work after graduation, both the U.S. economy and the students could benefit. This opportunity allows students to apply their education in real-world settings and contribute to American businesses and research efforts.
How will these new fields benefit the U.S. economy
The expansion of the STEM Designated Degree Program with 22 new fields is poised to significantly benefit the U.S. economy in several ways:
1. Attracting Global Talent
The inclusion of new fields enhances the U.S.’s ability to attract international students and professionals in critical areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This influx of talent contributes to innovation and technological advancements, which are also essential for maintaining the country’s competitive edge in the global market.
2. Job Creation and Economic Growth
The new fields are aligned with sectors that are experiencing substantial growth, such as clean energy, cloud computing, and data analytics. These industries not only create jobs but also tend to offer higher wages compared to non-STEM sectors. The focus on advanced industries is crucial as they account for a significant portion of private sector research and development spending, which drives economic growth.
3. Boosting Strategic Sectors
The U.S. is currently witnessing a surge in private investments in strategic sectors, including biomanufacturing and clean technology, which are critical for future economic stability and growth. The new STEM fields will support these sectors by providing a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and productivity improvements.
4. Enhancing Workforce Competitiveness
As industries evolve with technological advancements, the demand for skilled workers in emerging fields increases. By expanding the STEM Designated Degree Program, the U.S. ensures that its workforce remains competitive globally, particularly in high-demand areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
5. Supporting Distressed Communities
Investments in strategic sectors have been shown to disproportionately benefit economically distressed countries by creating jobs and fostering economic development in those areas. In addition, The new STEM fields can help facilitate this growth by providing local talent that meets the needs of these expanding industries.
What qualifications do students need to be eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
To be eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, students must meet several qualifications:
Current Status: Students must be on a valid period of post-completion OPT. This means they should have already been granted OPT and are currently working under that authorization.
Degree Requirements:
- Students must earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a field listed on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program List.
- They must obtain the degree from an accredited institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time of application.
- If using a prior STEM degree to qualify, the degree must have been awarded within the last 10 years.
Employment Conditions:
- Students must be employed in a paid position related to their field of study for at least 20 hours per week.
- The employer must be enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program, which verifies employment eligibility.
Application Timing:
- Students cannot apply for the STEM OPT extension during the 60-day grace period following their initial OPT period.
- They may apply up to 120 days before their current OPT expires.
- Form I-983 Requirement: Students must work with their employer to complete Form I-983, which outlines how the training opportunity is related to their degree and includes formal training and learning objectives.
Additional Notes
- Students cannot have exceeded 90 days of unemployment during their initial 12-month period of OPT.
- The same employer does not need to be used for both the initial OPT and the STEM OPT extension.
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.
How Law and Visas Can Help?
At Law and Visas, our team of expert immigration consultants is here to make your travel to the U.S. straightforward and successful. Whether you’re applying for an M-1 Visa or an O-1 Visa, we handle every step—from preparing your application to gathering the required documents.
Our Immigration Consultants and Lawyers ensure that your application meets the highest standards, with no details missed. We’ll also keep you informed throughout the process and coordinate with the immigration office or embassy on your behalf.
Law and Visas has a strong record of helping clients secure the visas/permits they need to visit the United States. You can call us today at +234 812 5505 986 to learn how we can help you.
