The federal government this month officially extended the length of time someone with a STEM degree can work on a student F-1 visa from 29 months to three years.

Students are eligible to work on their F-1 visa for one year under the government’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. But in 2008, near the end of his second term, President George W. Bush’s administration made it possible for students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields to get a 17-month extension beyond the initial year.

And now, President Barack Obama has increased the STEM extension to 24 months. That change went into effect May 10.

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