A Federal Register notice published on January 21, 2022 ( at Federal Register :: Update to the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List) announced that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by adding 22 qualifying fields of study and a corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for each.
The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List is a complete list of fields of study that DHS considers to be STEM for the purpose of the 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension. As part of the 2016 STEM OPT final rule, “Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for Non-immigrant Students with STEM Degrees and Cap-Gap Relief for All Eligible F-1 Students,” DHS noted that it would make “periodic updates to the STEM list in response to changes in STEM fields, academic programs, or technological trends.” After reviewing nominations submitted by interested parties, including members of the public, DHS is adding 22 fields of study, as identified by a unique CIP code, to the list. No CIP codes or fields of study have been removed from the list as part of this update. See the current DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List on the ICE website, to which the additional fields will be added here stem-list.pdf (ice.gov)
Now, as defined in the governing regulations, a STEM field is a field containing engineering, biological sciences, mathematics and statistics, and physical sciences, or a related field, which generally involves research, innovation, or development of new technologies. This policy update with also help the STEM students navigate other adjudicating visa options as well.
The additional fields, effective January 21, 2022, include the following (grouped by their 2-digit CIP code):
Bioenergy (03.0210)
Forestry, General (03.0501)
Forest Resources Production and Management (03.0510)
Human-Centered Technology Design (11.0105)
Cloud Computing (11.0902)
Anthrozoology (30.3401)
Climate Science (30.3501)
Earth Systems Science (30.3801)
Economics and Computer Science (30.3901)
Environmental Geosciences (30.4101)
Geobiology (30.4301)
Geography and Environmental Studies (30.4401)
Mathematical Economics (30.4901)
Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science (30.5001)
Data Science, General (30.7001)
Data Analytics, General (30.7101)
Business Analytics (30.7102)
Data Visualization (30.7103)
Financial Analytics (30.7104)
Data Analytics, Other (30.7199)
Industrial and Organizational Psychology (42.2804)
Social Sciences, Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods (45.0102)
SEVP has updated the official PDF list on its website, now available at: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2022.pdf.
These changes also impact applicants for:
O-1A visa as foreign nationals of extraordinary ability. The updated changes provide examples of evidence that may satisfy the O-1A evidentiary criteria and discusses considerations that are relevant to evaluating such evidence, with a focus on the highly technical nature of STEM fields and the complexity of the evidence often submitted.
National Interest Waivers (NIW), as applicants for a green card based upon a demonstration that the intended immigrant will serve the national interest of the United States. The policy update clarifies how the national interest waiver can be used for persons with advanced degrees in STEM fields and entrepreneurs, as well as the significance of letters from governmental and quasi-governmental entities. Note that for persons born in countries with green card backlogs like India, NIW is not particularly attractive because it falls under the severely backlogged employment-based category 2 (EB-2).
This policy update announced by the Biden Administration has also provided welcome opportunities to the people holding J-1 visas in the United States. ( see at FACT SHEET: Biden-Harris Administration Actions to Attract STEM Talent and Strengthen our Economy and Competitiveness | The White House )
For J-1 Visas, The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is also announcing new guidance that will facilitate additional academic training for undergraduate and graduate students in STEM fields on the J-1 visa for periods of up to 36 months.
We will regularly update the blog as soon as any new updates are available.
Disclaimer
This article aims to provide new information concerning the premium processing service. This article, under no circumstances, acts as legal advice; therefore, for any immigration questions, please contact your Attorney or the Ahluwalia Law Offices, P.C. (Team ALO).
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