Is My Degree STEM Eligible? CIP Code Lookup Guide for STEM OPT
To qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, your major must be recognized as STEM by the Department of Homeland Security. Eligibility is determined solely by the 6-digit CIP code on your Form I-20. Here is how to find and verify yours.
TL;DR / Quick Answer
Look at the "Primary Major" section on page 1 of your Form I-20. You will see a 6-digit code (e.g., 11.0101 for Computer Science). Compare this code to the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If it matches, your program is eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Key Takeaway
The name of your major printed on your diploma or university website does not determine eligibility. Only the official 6-digit CIP code on your I-20 is reviewed by USCIS.
Source: DHS SEVP Website & CIP Directory
In This Guide
What is a CIP Code?
The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) is a taxonomic coding scheme developed by the US Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). It tracks and resolves differences in naming conventions across universities.
For example, one school might call a degree "Computer Science and Systems Analysis," while another calls it "Software Engineering." Both are mapped to the standard CIP code 11.0701 (Computer Science).
How to Find Your CIP Code on Form I-20
Locating your CIP code takes less than a minute:
1. Open page 1 of your most recent Form I-20.
2. Locate the box labeled "Program of Study" on the left side of the page.
3. Look for the field labeled "Major 1" or "Primary Major".
4. You will see your major name followed by a code in parentheses: e.g., Computer Science 11.0701. The number is your CIP code.
Checking the DHS STEM Designated Degree List
DHS maintains the official list of STEM-designated CIP codes. If your CIP code matches a code on this list, you are eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
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What if my CIP code is not on the DHS STEM list?
If your code is not on the list, you are not eligible for the STEM OPT extension, even if your school describes the major as technical. You can contact your DSO to ask if they can update or change the CIP code map for your program, though this is rare.
Does USCIS verify the CIP code during application?
Yes. When you file Form I-765 for the STEM extension, USCIS cross-checks the CIP code on your STEM I-20 with the official DHS list. Any mismatch will result in a Request for Evidence (RFE) or denial.
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Written by the TrackMyOPT Team
Our team includes former F-1 students who navigated OPT, STEM OPT, and H-1B transitions firsthand. We combine lived immigration experience with data from USCIS, ICE.gov, and 2,500+ student users to create the most accurate and practical guides for international students in the US.