On July 23, 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added the category of Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204) as a qualifying field of study to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. DHS did not add or remove any other Classification of Instruction Programs (CIP) code or field from this list as a part of the update.

This list is used to determine whether a degree obtained by an F-1 student qualifies as a STEM degree allowing the F-1 student to apply for a twenty-four-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension.

Quick Hits

• DHS recently added Environmental/Natural Resources Economics to the STEM list of qualifying fields of study.
• More F-1 nonimmigrant students will be eligible for the twenty-four-month extension of their post-completion OPT.

The STEM Designated Degree Program List is “a complete list of fields of study that DHS considers to be science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields of study for purposes of the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension.” DHS last published an update to the STEM list in the Federal Register on July 12, 2023.

OPT is authorized temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students may be authorized for up to twelve months of OPT, which may be utilized during or after the completion of their academic program. To obtain OPT, F-1 students must:

• request a recommendation for OPT from the designated school official (DSO) at their academic institution;
• receive the DSO’s recommendation by endorsing their Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS); and
• file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

F-1 students may apply for a twenty-four-month extension of their STEM OPT if they:

• have earned a STEM degree included on the STEM Designated Degree Program List;
• are employed by an employer that is enrolled in and using E-Verify; and
• received an initial OPT authorization based on the applicable STEM degree.

F-1 students can verify whether their degrees qualify for a STEM OPT extension by checking the CIP code listed on their I-20 against the latest STEM Designated Degree Program List.

DHS will continue to receive and review nominations for amendments to the STEM list. Nominations may be submitted by email to SEVP@ice.dhs.gov with the subject line, “Attention: STEM CIP Code Nomination.” Individuals may submit nominations with additional evidence and reasoning if their original requests were not included in this addition to the STEM list.