Recognizing the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) graduates to the U.S. economy, the Biden Administration has made three policy changes that expand eligibility.
The changes are as follows:
Adding 22 new degree fields to the STEM list so that more F-1 graduates can qualify for three years, instead of one year, of optional practical training (OPT);
Making STEM students in J-1 exchange visitor status likewise eligible for 36 months of OPT up from 18 months; and
Broadening eligibility for National Interest Waiver Immigrant (NIW) visas for those in STEM fields.
The new degree programs added to the STEM list include academic fields such as bioenergy, human-centered technology design, climate science, mathematical economics, data visualization, and various analytics fields previously not considered to be STEM fields: business analytics, financial analytics, and data analytics.
Granting F-1 and J-1 students, many of whom graduate with Ph.D. degrees, more OPT provides them more time to make important contributions to U.S. companies, universities, and non-profit institutions. In addition, knowing that this amount of training is available makes choosing U.S. colleges and universities more attractive. It also reduces the “brain drain” in the United States. Students who receive advanced training in this country and become more established in this country will be less likely to want to leave and bring their earned expertise to other countries.
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