U.S. Expands List of Fields in Which Foreign Students May Extend Stay After Graduation

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has published an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields that qualify foreign students for an extended stay in the United States after graduation. The program, known as Optional Practical Training, allows graduates on student visas to work after they receive their degrees. Most graduates are allowed to stay on for an additional 12 months, but students in specific STEM fields can stay for 17 months beyond that. In a press release, the White House said the expansion was made to deal with shortages of certain high-tech scientists and technology experts.