An additional eight degrees are added to the list as qualifying fields of study for OPT Foreign Student F-1 visa holders looking for work in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the fields of study to the STEM Designated Degree Program List, expanding options for eligibility to apply for a 24-month extension through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.

The new fields of study include:

  • Composite Materials Technology/Technician
  • Demography and Population Studies
  • Developmental and Adolescent Psychology
  • Geospatial Intelligence
  • Institutional Research
  • Landscape Architecture
  • Linguistics and Computer Science
  • Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician

The OPT program offers eligible F-1 visa holder students the option to gain real-world experience as it related to their field of study. Extension eligibility requirements include F-1 students who completed 12 months of OPT and received a degree from the STEM OPT list. They can extend their OPT for 24 months.

The Biden administration announced upcoming policy changes in 2022 to attract and retain foreign students with STEM education. The policies provide more employment opportunities for exchange students in STEM fields, provide clarity for “extraordinary ability” visas to include STEM workers, and ease the permanent resident status process for foreign nationals with STEM backgrounds.

Although layoffs in the tech sector occur, these skills remain in high demand. Although employers are cutting back on staffing levels, they also face gaps in STEM workforce development. Qualifying OPT Foreign Student programs are seen as a method to address the gaps.

If you have questions about the F-1 visa or the OPT program, contact us at ILBSG. We actively monitor ongoing updates on U.S. immigration policy to ensure our clients get the right advice.

f-1 OPT STEM OPT