Draw lots for studying abroad
I. Specific data
The new regulation of Optional Training (OPT) came into effect. Graduates majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) will directly enjoy an extra 24 months of employment internship in addition to the standard OPT of 12 months. Every eligible applicant can also get OPT twice, compared with once before. This policy has increased the chances for STEM students to draw lots in H 1B, and 42.7% of China students studying in the United States chose STEM, so the extension of OPT has a wide impact on China students. As shown in Figure 9, the number of international students in the OPT stage in China has been growing rapidly since the OPT of STEM graduates was postponed 17 months in 2008, and the growth rate has been above 20%. In 20 15/ 16, the number of people who chose OPT exceeded 50,000 for the first time, reaching 52 193. This policy will definitely have an impact on the professional choice of China students studying in the United States in the future.
Second, what is STEM?
STEM consists of the initials of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is an American project that encourages students to major in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. A long list of STEM projects can be found on the website of the US Department of Homeland Security, such as chemical engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, biological science and aerospace.
What are the benefits of STEM?
For international students, if they want to find a job after graduation, they must apply for OPT (optional training). Only with OPT can you legally practice and work in the United States, but OPT has a certain time limit. The standard OPT only lasts for one year, which means that graduates must leave the United States if they can't get an H 1B work visa within one year. However, STEM graduates can apply for an additional 24 months of OPT extension (the latest policy), and with the first OPT 12 months, STEM students can use OPT for 36 months. Therefore, choosing STEM program is a big advantage for international students to find jobs in the United States! But which majors are STEM majors?
STEM specialty list
Usually STEM majors include engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, physical sciences and related fields. The newly published professional list covers engineering, mathematics, computer science, natural science (including physics, biology, agricultural science) and other related majors.
On May 16, 10, the US Department of Homeland Security released the latest STEM professional list. You can check and confirm through this list. If your major appears in the following list, congratulations, and you can enjoy the latest benefits of STEM OPT extension in the future!
In addition, this list explains "related fields": related fields refer to research, innovation or new technology research and development related to the above four categories of fields. In the list, each major has a corresponding field number. The CIP codes in the four major fields of STEM are: engineering (CIP code 14), biological science (CIP code 26), mathematics and statistics (CIP code 27) and physical science (CIP code 40). Once a new STEM major appears, it will be automatically added to this list.