Please review the information at Opportunity for Academic Training Extensions for J-1 College and University Students in STEM Fields - BridgeUSABridgeUSA (state.gov) for information on STEM extensions.

Sponsors may request STEM-related academic training for up to 36 months for College and University students pursuing STEM undergraduate or pre-doctoral degrees and recent graduates who seek to commence academic training no later than 30 days after completion of their STEM-related studies.

They must secure prior written approval by submitting extension requests through the Private Sector’s Office of Designation via AGexchanges@state.gov. As part of the required written justification, sponsors should indicate the STEM field and corresponding Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code relating to the subject-matter of the extension. A complete list of STEM field CIP codes for which exchange students are eligible to apply for this academic training extension is included in the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Program List at the following address: https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/stem-list.pdf. While participating in these extensions, exchange students must continue to meet the requirements of 22 CFR §62.23(f), including but not limited to, being primarily in the United States to study, pursuing training that is directly related to their major field of study, and either engaging in a full course of study or commencing with their academic training within 30 days after completion of their related studies.

This program is currently set to expire on June 30, 2026