Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-04-14T16:15:07Z

Explore the details of Senate Bill 1233 Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

4/14/2025, 4:15 PM

Summary of Bill S 1233

Bill 119 s 1233, 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 and contribute to the economy.

Under the provisions of the bill, individuals who have obtained a master's or doctoral degree in a STEM field from a US institution of higher education would be eligible to apply for permanent resident status. This would allow them to live and work in the United States indefinitely, providing stability and security for themselves and their families.

In addition to granting permanent resident status to qualified individuals, the bill also includes provisions to streamline the visa application process for STEM degree holders, making it easier for them to navigate the complex immigration system. This would help to attract and retain top talent in the STEM fields, ensuring that the United States remains competitive in the global economy. Overall, the STEM Visa Act is aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled workers in critical STEM industries by providing a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with advanced degrees in these fields. By attracting and retaining top talent, the bill seeks to strengthen the US economy and maintain the country's position as a leader in innovation and technology.

Congressional Summary of S 1233

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.

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Current Status of Bill S 1233

Bill S 1233 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 1, 2025. Bill S 1233 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on April 1, 2025. Bill S 1233's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (text: CR S2095-2096) as of April 1, 2025