More international students eligible for STEM OPT
January 28, 2022
The Biden administration has expanded students eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. On January 21, 2022 DHS published a Federal Register notice announcing that “The Secretary of Homeland Security is amending the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List [for OPT] by adding 22 qualifying fields of study.” This policy change is important because additions to this list will make more students eligible for the STEM OPT extension. The government uses the STEM Designated Degree Program List to determine F-1 students’ eligibility for the 24-month extension of their post-completion for OPT based on their STEM degree.
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