The White House has introduced a number of positive changes to programmes for international students and scholars in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

As part of changes to federal regulations, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is adding 22 fields of study that are eligible for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) programme, allowing international students in these fields to stay in the United States and work and receive practical training in their field of study for up to three years after they graduate instead of just one year. 

Allowing international students to remain in the country and work for three years instead of the one-year limit that applies to non-STEM majors is a welcome move by the Biden administration that will help attract and retain talented students and scholars from around the globe.