H.R. 2627 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on the Judiciary, Apr 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryEasier paths for foreign STEM graduates
This bill helps non-U.S. citizens with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, or math stay in the country to work. It removes the yearly cap on how many such immigrants can get permanent status, as long as they studied their STEM field at a U.S. college, have a job offer in their field, and earn above the median wage for that job. The bill also changes student visa rules so foreign students can pursue an advanced STEM degree while planning to become permanent residents.
How it affects you
If you're a foreign-born person with an advanced STEM degree from a U.S. university and a job offer in your field, this could give you a clearer path to staying and working in the country. U.S. employers in tech and science fields may find it easier to hire and keep talented workers from abroad.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 3, 2025)
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025
This bill addresses issues relating to non-U.S. nationals ( aliens 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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2627
A BILL
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Foster (D-IL-11) · Introduced Apr 3, 2025 · Immigration · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 3, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.”