The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice on July 12, 2023, announcing the addition of eight 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 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (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 eight fields of study, as identified by a unique CIP code, to the list.

For additional information about the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, fields of study that qualify for the STEM OPT extension and the CIP code nomination process, please refer to:

• The Federal Register notice announcing the CIP code additions.
• The updated DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
• The Eligible CIP Codes for the STEM OPT Extension page on the Study in the States STEM OPT Hub.
• ICE.gov/SEVIS/Schools, under the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and CIP Code Nomination Process header.