US Expands Employment Program for International STEM Students
Great news for international students! In the United States, the list of those who are eligible to work from the United States in work related to studies is expanding. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that it will add eight new fields of study to its STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) student employment program.
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What is OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 visa students to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study either during or after completing their degree. Typically, the program allows students to work for 12 months. While those with a degree in certain STEM fields can apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT, allowing them to work for a total of 36 months.
STEM is an educational program designed to prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
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Why is the program changing?
The public can provide information on which areas of study should be added to or removed from the program. In January 2022, the administration of US President Joe Biden expanded STEM OPT eligibility to include 22 qualifying areas of study. Since then, DHS has received nominations for an additional 120 fields of study that should have been added to the list. Of these, eight were selected.
New areas of study
Here are eight areas of study that have been added to the program list:
- landscape architecture;
- Scientific research;
- mechatronics, robotics and automation technology;
- technology of composite materials;
- linguistics and computer science;
- developmental and adolescent psychology;
- geospatial intelligence;
- demography and demographic research.
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As the world becomes more interconnected, initiatives like STEM OPT are playing a critical role in promoting innovation, economic growth and cultural exchange. International students bring fresh perspectives and valuable contributions to their fields of study. By expanding access to hands-on learning, the US is signaling its commitment to developing a diverse and globally connected workforce.
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