US to extend number of programs eligible for STEM certification

USA is extending the number of programs eligible for STEM certification. With this, an Optional Practical Training (OPT) permission of three years after graduation is now available to F-1 students in 22 new fields of study including Bioenergy, Forestry, Forest Resources Production and Management, Human-Centered Technology Design, Cloud computing, Anthrozoology, Climate science, Earth Systems Science, Environmental Geosciences, Geobiology, Geography and Environmental Studies, Mathematical Economics, Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

The Departments of State and Homeland Security (DoS and DHS) are leading this expansion, as well as several other policy changes, to “advance predictability and clarity for pathways for international STEM scholars, students, researchers, and experts to contribute to innovation and job creation efforts across America.”