Does a TCM degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
⚠️ Current status (updated 2026-09-16): this rule is on hold — a federal court has blocked it. On 2026-09-14 a nationwide preliminary injunction stopped the rule from taking effect on its scheduled 2026-09-15 date, so Duration of Status (D/S) still applies and no immediate action is required for now. The government may appeal and this can change, so confirm the current status with USCIS and a university international-student office such as Yale OISS. (What follows describes what the rule would do if it ever takes effect — none of it is in force today.)
Do TCM degrees qualify for STEM OPT?
Generally, no — and this is a fair thing to want a clear answer on, since it directly affects how long you can work in the U.S. after graduating.
| Program type | STEM-OPT eligible? |
|---|---|
| Acupuncture / Chinese-medicine degrees (MAcHM, DAcHM, DAc/MAc, etc.) | Generally not STEM-designated — the 24-month STEM extension typically does not apply |
| Standard 12-month OPT (any F-1 degree, job related to field of study) | Still available regardless of STEM status |
The reason is that STEM OPT depends on your program's official CIP code classification with the Department of Homeland Security, and TCM/acupuncture programs are not usually classified under a STEM-designated code. That said, this is program-specific and worth double-checking rather than assuming — your school's DSO (Designated School Official) can confirm exactly how your specific degree is classified, since this is the kind of determination that shouldn't rest on general information alone.
It's also worth knowing that this sits inside a bigger 2026 change: DHS has replaced the old open-ended "Duration of Status" with a fixed 4-year F-1 admission period (effective September 15, 2026), after which staying longer requires a formal Extension of Stay filed with USCIS — no longer automatic. That affects OPT timing planning too.
For anything specific to your own situation, the right people are your school's DSO, USCIS directly, and a licensed immigration attorney — this is genuinely not something to plan around general guidance alone.
Curious whether you're weighing this for a program you're already admitted to, or still exploring schools?
Sources
- Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine College, Berkeley, AIMC (catalog) (aimc.edu) checked 2026-07
- Five Branches University — published materials checked 2026-07
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