International students can now pursue 22 NEW FIELDS OF STUDY IN USA
AECC Global India . Study in USA . Tuesday, 25 January 2022
The US has been significantly contributing to the students' community over the years through newer innovation in the education space and technology that assists newer learnings. To amplify the support towards the international students' community from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics aka (STEM) which leads to the country’s economy and technological innovation, the Department of Homeland Security of the United States declared that there are new 22 subjects will be added to into hands-on STEM subjects under Optional Practical Training (OPT) for International students. OPT is available for students who have F-1 International student visas which is an opportunity to work in the field of study for a temporary period.
Meanwhile, all International students can get up to 12 months of OPT employment before their course completion or post completing their studies. Whereas, STEM programs permit students who pursue Bachelors, Masters, or Research studies in specific fields to stay in the US and gain OPT for about 36 months to work in their field of study. OPT opens the gateway to work opportunities in the USA for many Indian students without struggling during the post-study transition. American Open doors survey says, Up to 81,173 Indian students have signed up for the OPT program according to November 2020 data. The Recent trends of the same are not available due to the pandemic holocaust.
This new addition in STEM subject fields will be notified to schools and students via federal register notice in detail. The newly updated fields are as follows:
- Bioenergy
- General forestry
- Forest resources Production & Management
- Human-centered technology design
- Cloud computing
- Anthrozoology
- Climate science
- Earth systems science
- Economics & Computer Science,
- Environmental Geosciences
- Geobiology
- Geography & Environmental studies
- Mathematical Economics
- Mathematics & Atmospheric & Oceanic Science
- General Data Science
- General Data Analytics
- Business Analytics
- Data Visualization
- Financial Analytics & Other data Analytics
- Industrial & Organizational psychology
- Social Sciences
- Research methodology & Quantitative methods
“STEM Innovation allows us to solve the complex challenges we face today and make a difference in how we secure and protect our country,” said DHS secretary Mayorkas. Further, he added to the statement “Through STEM education and training opportunities, DHS is expanding the number and diversity of students who excel in the field of STEM and contribute to the US economy.”
DHS is enhancing the policy manual for US citizenship and immigration services (USCIS) - states, certain STEM graduates & entrepreneurs can benefit from the national interest waiver for Employment-based immigrant visas as an advanced degree professional non-citizen or non-citizen of exceptional ability. Particular Advanced degree holders who are non-citizens of the US or one who possess exceptional talents can apply for employment-based immigration. The OPT guidance and its update are a huge relief for international students who wish to pursue their higher studies in STEM fields. Also, opened up opportunities for entrepreneurs and STEM graduates to gain legal permanent residency in the United States. The newer USCIS update brings changes to O-1A non-immigrant status for non-citizens of extraordinary talents in the field of science, arts, education, business, and sports. Bring a phenomenal change in your life by enrolling in STEM fields with the help of AECC Global's free consultation for US higher education.
