Guys, I would like to share with you; hope it will help. 

I had asked questions to DSO like this:

Hi ........,

-I have heard that one who does not find a job within 90 days of the commencement of OPT will go out of status. Have you done any research on this whether it applies to us or not, if it is true?    

-I am an MBA graduate with Finance/Accounting major. Do I fall under STEM to get my OPT extended by 17 months?

Thanks and regards,

Copicat

(In my case I had found job after 95 days only)

DSO's Answer:

Dear CopiCat

The general regulation is that the student must maintain uninterrupted employment during the course of OPT. According to USCIS, “Students must exert full effort into looking for a job, and should keep a list of all the employers who were contacted” (sent resumes etc) so you may have detailed information on your job search in the case that your file is audited by an immigration officer. If there are ever gaps in employment, such documentation would be expected by the Department of Homeland Security.

DHS realizes that the job market may be unstable, and it is therefore sometimes difficult to secure a job. So the gap in your case for example, between the start date of your EAD and the actual date you began working is understandable.

 

The STEM program means Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. F-1 students who graduated in these fields and are currently on OPT may be eligible to apply for a one-time extension for 17 additional months (a maximum of 20 months). The STEM degree must be in one of the following fields:

 

-Actuarial Science

-Computer Science

-Engineering

-Engineering Technologies

-Life Sciences

-Mathematics

-Military Technologies

-Physical Sciences

 Your field of study was Business Administration, so the STEM program would not apply to you.

 Let me know if you have any other questions.

 Sincerely,

 

Coordinator of Academic Records/

International Student Advisor

Thanks Copicat for this posting.  I am sure a lot of people will benefit from this piece of information. A great job on your part! Good Luck to you whatever you're doing.

Real good information. Nice effort.

does any body know if Agriultural sciences such as M.S.in plant and soil sciences fall under STEM category? I would appreciate if you provide the answer and the references.

Could anybody tell me if the degrees in Agricultural sciences such as M.S. in Plant and Soil Sciences fall under STEM program? I would appreciate if you provide the answer with the reference from DSO.

I was looking for this information for my two friends in agricultural economics and entomology. The first one is not covered in STEM while the second one is. Please check yourself for your degree.

Full list of Instructional Codes: http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2002/cip2000/

Match your qualification with the new rule: http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/press_opt_ifr.pdf

I hope this helps.

HEY FRENS,

IS THAT OPT EXTENSION RULE GOING TO APPLY FOR THE ONES WHOSE OPT IS EXPIRING ON THIS MAY /JUNE 2008 ALSO ?

THANKS IN ADVANCE

Hello Copycat, it answers my questions because i am also graduating with MBA -finance/accounting emphasis. now that it is clear we won't be falling under STEM,best of luck to us becoming the managers of STEM degrees in near future.

    I was wondering if you would not mind telling me what kinda job market look for people like us. i tried some accounting firm but they look for strickly accounting undergrads. Finance industries are biased hiring freshers. can you give me some insights. anything helps.

Does nursing fall under STEM?

The list allowed under 51.xxxx include - Medical Scientist (MS, PhD): NCES CIP Code 51.1401 only.

The nursing is listed 51.16. So it seems that this is excluded. But Nurse get EB visas easily- why to worry about OPT? 

The 26.xxxx include BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES which allowed.

In the list we can find 

-----

AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS AND RELATED SCIENCES.   (Report under 01. Series)

 ------------Plant Sciences.   (Report under 01.11 Series).

-----

Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding.   (Report under 01.1104) Anybody has idea on, How does DHS consider these in STEM as they are listed in 26.xxxx, although they are classified in 01.xxxxx series? Some school give degree in agronomy or crop science for those that study Plant Breeding or Plant Science. How will DHS treat this as ? If allowed,  all 01.xxx series will receive the facility of extension?

Have you any idea?