This bill aims to make it easier for immigrants with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields to come to the United States and work. It would exempt certain STEM degree holders from limits on the number of green cards issued per year and allow them to get student visas even if they plan to seek permanent residency.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill aims to make it easier for immigrants with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields to come to the United States and work. It would exempt certain STEM degree holders from limits on the number of green cards issued per year and allow them to get student visas even if they plan to seek permanent residency.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023</b></p> <p>This bill addresses issues relating to non-U.S. nationals (<i>aliens</i> under federal law) with advanced degrees in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field, including exempting certain such individuals from direct limitations on the number of immigrant visas granted per year.</p> <p>To be exempt from the annual numerical limitations on immigrant visas, the individual must (1) have earned a master's level or higher degree in certain STEM fields while in the United States attending an accredited higher education institution, (2) be employed (or have an offer) to perform work directly related to the degree and earn higher than the median wage for that occupation, and (3) meet certain labor certification requirements. </p> <p>The bill also allows an individual seeking a nonimmigrant F-1 (student) visa for an advanced STEM degree to obtain the nonimmigrant visa even if the individual seeks lawful permanent resident status. (Generally, an individual may be denied a nonimmigrant visa if the individual actually intends to seek immigrant status, unless dual intent is allowed for that visa.) </p> <p>Under this bill, to be approved for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree, the applicant must apply for the visa before beginning the advanced degree program. </p> <p>The bill also requires an individual who is inside the United States and applying for an F-1 visa for an advanced STEM degree to undergo the same vetting (e.g., verifying academic credentials and undergoing background checks) as an individual applying from outside the United States.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Exempts STEM degree holders from annual limits on immigrant visas if they have a master's or higher degree, a job offer in their field, and meet certain wage and labor requirements
Allows STEM graduate students to get F-1 student visas even if they plan to apply for permanent residency
Requires the same vetting process for STEM graduate students inside the U.S. as those applying from outside the country
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would make it easier for highly-skilled immigrants with STEM degrees to live and work in the U.S., which could help fill critical labor shortages in technology and scientific fields. It would particularly benefit international students who earn advanced STEM degrees at U.S. universities by making it simpler for them to stay and contribute their skills to the American workforce.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Immigration
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5477, 119th Congress (2025). "Litigation Reimbursement Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5477
