DHS Updates STEM Designated Degree Program List with One New Entry

The Department of Homeland Security has added an additional field to the list of academic degrees eligible for the F-1 STEM optional practical training (OPT) program.

The STEM OPT program, which allows F-1 students with a qualifying STEM degree to hold OPT work authorization for up to 36 months – will be expanded to include the following field and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes effective July 23:

Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (CIP 03.0204)

If you have any questions about the STEM OPT program, please contact your immigration counsel.