The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice on Jan. 21, 2022, announcing the addition of 22 Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List is a complete list of fields of study that DHS considers to be STEM for the purpose of the 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension. As part of the 2016 STEM OPT final rule, “Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and Cap-Gap Relief for All Eligible F-1 Students,” DHS noted that it would make “periodic updates to the STEM list in response to changes in STEM fields, academic programs, or technological trends.” After reviewing nominations submitted by interested parties, including members of the public, DHS is adding 22 fields of study, as identified by a unique CIP code, to the list. No CIP codes or fields of study have been removed from the list as part of this update.

DHS is also providing guidance to stakeholders about how to submit CIP code nominations for potential inclusion on or removal from the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Additional information about how stakeholders can nominate CIP codes is available at ICE.gov/SEVIS/Schools, under the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and CIP Code Nomination Process header.