May 23, 2012

On May 11, 2012, DHS expanded the STEM Degree program list, adding more science, technology engineering and math designated programs. Some of the added programs include “computer engineer, other”, “computer information sciences, other”, engineering technology and engineering related fields, other”, “bioinformatics”, “ human computer interaction”, “computer software and media applications, other”, “pharmaceutical sciences”, “econometrics”, and “quantitative economics”. For the first time, an Economics field is included and some aspects of business studies with the inclusion of all areas of Management Science and Quantitative Methods.

These newly added STEM designated-degree programs qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. OPT allows eligible international students to remain in the United States for up to 12 months while they gain work experience and receive training related to their programs of study.

Students who graduate with a STEM designated degree can remain for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension. To be eligible for the 17-Month OPT STEM extension, the following circumstances must be met:

• Degree for current period of post-completion OPT is a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in a STEM program listed
• Employer from which you are seeking work uses the E-Verify Program
• Applicant has not already received a 17-month extension of OPT