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DHS STEM Degree List for STEM OPT, July 2023

Updated: Author: Alina Kanametova

Reference Guides 15 pages Anonymized Access on request

Official DHS / SEVP STEM Designated Degree Program List updated July 12, 2023 - CIP codes that qualify a degree as STEM for OPT extension and NIW framing.

EB-1A O-1 EB-2 NIW

About this document

A DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List updated July 12, 2023, for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. It identifies which fields of study count as STEM for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under 8 CFR 214.2(f), using CIP codes and titles. The document sets out four primary STEM CIP series and 18 related series, then lists the included programs by code.

Key points

  • Explains STEM eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under 8 CFR 214.2(f).
  • Defines STEM fields by reference to the Department of Education CIP taxonomy.
  • Lists four primary 2-digit CIP series: engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences.
  • States that new additions to those primary areas are automatically included.
  • Includes 18 related CIP series at the 6-digit level, including computer science, health professions, business, and social sciences.
  • Provides a code-by-code inventory of covered programs across fields such as AI, data science, robotics, biotechnology, and forensic science.

What is inside

  1. Intro and legal basis
  2. Four primary STEM CIP series
  3. Related CIP series
  4. CIP code list by category

When it helps

A supporting reference for STEM OPT evidence, showing whether the applicant's degree field appears on the DHS STEM list. It also serves as a legal/administrative exhibit tying a degree major to the 24-month STEM OPT extension rule.

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Source: Community (anonymized). The material opens on the site. Reference material, not legal advice.

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