ICE Adds 50 Degree Programs to STEM List

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has added 50 science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degree programs to the list of those that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. By expanding the list of STEM degrees, ICE said the Obama administration “is helping to address shortages in certain high-tech sectors of talented scientists and technology experts.”

Under the OPT program, foreign students who graduate from U.S. colleges and universities are able to remain in the U.S. and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate with one of the newly expanded STEM degrees can remain for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.

• The announcement
• The expanded list of STEM-designated degrees (PDF)