The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has created a STEM Designated Degree Program list, which includes the fields of study that the Department of Homeland Security considers to be science, technology, engineering or mathematics fields for the purpose of the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Eligible F-1 visa students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Previously, this extension was 17 months but was replaced this year with a 24-month extension. If you would like to request an addition to the STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may email the SEVP at sevp@ice.dhs.gov with the subject line “Request for STEM Designated Degree Program List.”
To see the list in full, you may download it here: STEM Designated Degree Program list
Rachel is an intern with the firm and is not a practicing attorney.