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DHS STEM OPT-Eligible Degree List

Updated: Author: Alina Kanametova

Reference Guides 13 pages Anonymized Access on request

STEM field list (version 1): 13 pages enumerating STEM disciplines - reference for arguing an EB-2 NIW field qualifies as STEM.

EB-2 NIW

About this document

A DHS reference list of degree fields treated as STEM for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension under 8 CFR 214.2(f). It explains the STEM definition, names the primary and related CIP series, and then lists approved CIP codes and titles across many fields, including additions marked new and moved codes.

Key points

  • States that STEM status is used for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under 8 CFR 214.2(f).
  • Defines STEM fields by reference to the Education Department CIP taxonomy and related research-oriented fields.
  • Names four primary 2-digit CIP series: Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences.
  • Lists 18 related CIP series at the 6-digit level, including computer sciences, engineering technologies, health professions, and business.
  • Provides a long table of CIP codes and titles organized by two-digit series and code level.
  • Marks some entries as New and notes some codes as moved from earlier CIP numbers.
  • Includes fields such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics, genomics, biostatistics, and energy systems.
  • Covers science technologies, psychology, forensic science, econometrics, GIS, and quantitative business fields.

What is inside

  1. STEM list purpose and definition
  2. Primary CIP series
  3. Related CIP series
  4. CIP code table by series

When it helps

A reference for identifying whether a degree field is listed as STEM for the STEM OPT extension standard. It serves as field-classification evidence by showing the DHS category and CIP code placement.

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

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