International Students: Which majors have given you STEM OPT extensions before?
I am trying to determine which major could match my job description (Biotech IB) and would convince a USCIS officer that my major indeed aligns with my job in order to obtain a STEM OPT extension. What has worked for you? My options right now are math, statistics, or biology/biotechnology.
econ also works otherwise all of your options are fine. it’s more important to make sure the major is classified as STEM vs. aligning with your title since your job is technically investment banking analyst regardless of your sector. each major has a code that uscis uses to check against if it qualifies for STEM so make sure to check with your international student office. uscis normally doesn’t get too much in the weeds for OPTs
Yes, I agree. Econ is not an option at my school. From what I discussed with my advisor, USCIS doesn’t dig too deep for first-year OPT, but they do for the STEM OPT extension — specifically to ensure your major matches your job description. If you're international, what has worked for you or others you know who successfully got the STEM extension in an IB role?"
that’s weird. everyone from my school used econ and haven’t had any issues. i’d recommend talking to your firm’s attorney.
I have seen Econ in other schools, but unfortunately, in my school, it is not STEM as per the CIP code.
Math and stat may or may not work, heard of both cases. Econ should always work for STEM extension if it is designated by your school, if not it’s only math/stat.
Our staff usually have bio, chem, math, or engineering majors. None of them had issues.
But, the newly appointed USCIS head recently mentioned that OPT programs will see significant changes. It didn't sound like that OPT will remain in the current form going forward.
were the people in your staff investment bankers?
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