Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-05-01T15:01:08Z

Explore the details of House Bill 2627 Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Immigration. Stay informed on legislative developments.

5/1/2025, 3:01 PM

Summary of Bill HR 2627

Bill 119 HR 2627, also known as the "STEM Visa Act," aims to grant lawful permanent resident status to individuals who hold advanced degrees in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The bill is designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in these critical industries by allowing foreign nationals with advanced STEM degrees to remain in the United States permanently.

Under the provisions of the bill, eligible individuals must have obtained a master's or doctoral degree in a STEM field from a qualifying institution in the United States. They must also have a job offer from a US employer in a related field and meet certain criteria related to work experience and skill level.

The bill also includes provisions for the allocation of visas to eligible individuals, with a focus on prioritizing those who have demonstrated exceptional talent and potential in their respective fields. Additionally, the bill includes measures to streamline the visa application process and reduce bureaucratic barriers for qualified individuals seeking permanent residency. Overall, the STEM Visa Act seeks to attract and retain top talent in the STEM fields, bolstering the US economy and maintaining the country's competitive edge in innovation and technology. The bill has garnered bipartisan support for its potential to address workforce shortages in critical industries and promote economic growth.

Congressional Summary of HR 2627

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.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 2627

Bill HR 2627 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 3, 2025. Bill HR 2627 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on April 3, 2025. Bill HR 2627's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of April 3, 2025