Skip to content

DHS STEM Degree List for STEM OPT, Jan. 2022

Updated: Author: Alina Kanametova

Reference Guides 16 pages Anonymized Access on request

The 2022 STEM degree list: 16 pages naming qualifying STEM fields, cited in EB-2 NIW petition arguments about the field.

EB-2 NIW

About this document

A DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Program list of degree fields designated as STEM for the 24-month STEM OPT extension under 8 CFR 214.2(f). It explains the governing STEM definition, names the primary and related CIP series, and then enumerates qualifying CIP codes and titles by series. The list is marked last updated Jan. 21, 2022.

Key points

  • States the list is used 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.
  • Names four primary 2-digit CIP series: engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, physical sciences.
  • Lists 18 related CIP series at the 6-digit code level.
  • Includes many qualifying codes in series 01, 03, 11, 14, 26, 27, 30, 40, 51, and 52.
  • Notes that new additions to the four primary areas are automatically included.
  • The list is dated as last updated Jan. 21, 2022.

What is inside

  1. STEM definition and legal basis
  2. Four primary CIP series
  3. Eighteen related CIP series
  4. CIP code tables by series

When it helps

Shows the government STEM classification used to support eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. It serves as a reference exhibit for matching a degree field to a listed CIP code or series.

Preparing secure view...

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

Need access beyond the daily limit?

You can open the full file right in the viewer above - up to 4 files a day once your profile is complete. Need more, or is your profile not ready yet? Request direct access and an admin will grant it.

Related materials

All library materials