The Department of Homeland Security recently added 22 new qualifying fields of study to its STEM Designated Degree Program List, which will greatly expand opportunities for international students to remain in the U.S. – and aid employers’ efforts to expand their own talent pools. The January 2022 additions mark the first major substantive update to the list since the STEP OPT regulation took effect in 2016. This is a very welcome change for employers, as international students holding a U.S. university degree with a major on the STEM Designated Degree Program List are entitled to additional time in work-authorized status on their student visas, and also have multiple chances to enter the annual H-1B lottery registration system. What do employers need to know about this welcome change?
