Department of Homeland Security has announced that it is adding eight qualifying fields of study to the STEM Designated Degree Program List. This would increase the number of approved fields of study which qualify for a 24-month extension of STEM post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) for certain international students.
OPT refers to approval of a 12-month work authorization that F-1 nonimmigrant students receive after completing their degree to gain practical work experience in their field of study. After the initial 12-month approval of work permission, students with a degree in one of the STEM fields designated on the Program List can apply for and receive a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, giving them additional work authorization and the ability to remain in the United States longer.