H.R. 2627 — Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

This section establishes F-1 nonimmigrant visa requirements for foreign nationals pursuing an advanced STEM degree (master's or higher, as defined in INA §201(b)(1)(F)(ii), as amended by section 3(a)) at a U.S. institution of higher education (i.e., public or nonprofit degree-granting college or university, per 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)). It further directs the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State to implement strengthened vetting procedures—including academic credential verification, comprehensive background checks, and interviews equivalent to those for applicants abroad, with section 212(a)(3)(A) inadmissibility determinations—for such students, including those applying from within the U.S., and to process applications timely. Finally, it requires annual reports to the Senate and House Judiciary Committees on implementation, including visa volumes, processing times, security outcomes, and economic impacts.

This section exempts from numerical limitations on immigrant visas (under INA §201(b)(1)) aliens who have earned a master’s or higher degree in a STEM field—defined using Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs taxonomy groups for computer and information sciences, engineering, mathematics and statistics, biological and biomedical sciences, physical sciences, agriculture sciences, or natural resources and conservation sciences—from an accredited U.S. institution of higher education (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 1001(a)); who have an offer of or are employed in work directly related to the degree at above-median wage (per Labor Department data) with an approved labor certification; and their accompanying spouses and children. The section further (1) authorizes petitions to the Secretary of Homeland Security under INA §204(a)(1)(F) for this new exemption alongside certain employment-based categories; (2) applies labor certification exemptions for adjustment of status (under INA §212(a)(5)(D)); and (3) permits dual intent for F nonimmigrant students bona fide pursuing such degrees, allowing them to seek lawful permanent resident status without visa denial under INA §§101(a)(15)(F)(i) or 214(b).