DHS UPDATES THE LIST OF ELIGIBLE STEM FIELDS FOR F-1 STUDENTS
On July 12, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced the addition of eight Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. No CIP codes from the existing list are being removed. This updated list of STEM fields will determine eligibility for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students.
The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List is a list of fields of study that DHS considers to be science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for the purpose of the 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension.
The eight added fields and CIP codes are:
Landscape Architecture (04.0601)
Institutional Research (13.0608)
Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician (15.0407)
Composite Materials Technology/Technician (15.0617)
Linguistics and Computer Science (30.4801)
Developmental and Adolescent Psychology (42.2710)
Geospatial Intelligence (43.0407)
Demography and Population Studies (45.0501)
DHS provides guidance to stakeholders about how to submit CIP code nominations for potential inclusion on or removal from the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Nominations for the next annual review cycle are due to SEVP by August 1, 2023. Stakeholders do not need to submit a nomination for a CIP code that is already on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
To view the updated DHS Stem Designated Degree Program List, click here.
If you have questions about these new CIP codes, please schedule a consultation today with one of our immigration attorneys.
