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On May 11, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) designated-degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. To qualify for an extended work permit under STEM, a students who holds a valid F-1 student status must meet two requirements: (1) graduate from a U.S. university with one of the degrees listed on the DHS STEM List, and (2) work for an emploeyr who uses E-Verify. USCIS may approve a 17 month extension in addition to the lready granted 12 months of an OPT-based work permit, bringing the total OPT/STEM work permit period to 29 months. We see this as another sign that the economy is heating up, employers are hiring more and more STEM graduates, and DHS is expecting H-1B visa cap to be met sooner rather than later this year. Full list of STEM Majors: LINK
Posted by Mira Mdivani Corporate Immigration Attorney The Mdivani Law Firm, LLC