Labor Immigration Law

United States Labor Immigration Law News and Analysis

List of OPT STEM Degrees

April 08th, 2008 | Category: EAD, F-1

We have received many inquiries in connection with the OPT extension to 29 months for holders of STEM degrees (non-STEM degrees also get some relief under the new OPT rule).  One of the questions asked most often is, “How do I know if my degree is a STEM degree?”

The first step is to find the classification number of your degree.  We are providing a link to the Classification of Educational Programs, provided by the Department of Education.

Once the degree classification is determined, an F-1 or OPT holder should look at the list of STEM degrees which, according to DHS, entitled their holders to an additional term of 17 months.  We are reprinting the DHS list below:

  • Actuarial Science. NCES CIP Code 52.1304
  • Computer Science: NCES CIP Codes 11.xxxx (except Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, NCES CIP Codes 11.06xx)
  • Engineering: NCES CIP Codes 14.xxxx
  • Engineering Technologies: NCES CIP Codes 15.xxxx
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences: NCES CIP Codes 26.xxxx
  • Mathematics and Statistics: NCES CIP Codes 27.xxxx
  • Military Technologies: NCES CIP Codes 29.xxxx
  • Physical Sciences: NCES CIP Codes 40.xxxx
  • Science Technologies: NCES CIP Codes 41.xxxx
  • Medical Scientist (MS, PhD): NCES CIP Code 51.1401

If your degree’s classification is listed above, then your degree is STEM.

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This article is presented by the Capitol Immigration Law Group PLLC, an immigration law firm serving individual and corporate clients in the Washington, D.C. area and nationaide. We specialize in U.S. labor immigration law and we have successfully represented individuals from more than 30 countries and Fortune 100 companies. The article should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed attorney. For more information, please contact us.

1 Comment so far

  1. Labor Immigration Law » F-1 OPT/H-1B Cap-Gap Guide for Employers April 1st, 2009 3:47 pm

    [...] program allows foreign students on F-1 visa to work for 12 (or up to 29 months, for holders of STEM degrees).  The 12 (or 29) month period allows many students to apply for an H-1B work visa.  Many [...]