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Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-2627| House 
| Updated: 4/3/2025
Bill Foster

Bill Foster

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (20)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Sam T. Liccardo (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)Sylvia R. Garcia (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)Joseph D. Morelle (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Josh Riley (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025" seeks to enhance the United States' ability to retain highly skilled foreign talent by establishing a new pathway to lawful permanent resident status for individuals holding advanced STEM degrees from U.S. institutions. This legislation exempts these specific aliens, along with their spouses and children, from existing numerical limitations on immigration, provided they have a master's degree or higher in a STEM field, a related job offer from a U.S. employer paying above the median wage, and an approved labor certification. A significant provision of the bill introduces dual intent for F-1 nonimmigrant students pursuing advanced STEM degrees at U.S. universities. This change allows these students to seek lawful permanent resident status without it negatively impacting their nonimmigrant student visa eligibility, addressing a long-standing barrier for international STEM graduates. Furthermore, the bill mandates a strengthened vetting process for these students, requiring comprehensive background checks and academic credential verification, with an emphasis on timely processing of applications. To ensure accountability and transparency, the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State are required to submit annual reports to Congress. These reports will detail the implementation and effectiveness of the new requirements, including data on visa application volumes, processing times, security outcomes, and the economic impacts of the program.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4623
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5924
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5477
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023
Apr 1, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1233
Introduced in Senate
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4623
    Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5924
    Keep STEM Talent Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5477
    Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023


  • April 1, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1233
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 3, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 3, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Immigration

Related Bills

  • S 119-1233: Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025

USA119th CongressHR-2627| House 
| Updated: 4/3/2025
The "Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025" seeks to enhance the United States' ability to retain highly skilled foreign talent by establishing a new pathway to lawful permanent resident status for individuals holding advanced STEM degrees from U.S. institutions. This legislation exempts these specific aliens, along with their spouses and children, from existing numerical limitations on immigration, provided they have a master's degree or higher in a STEM field, a related job offer from a U.S. employer paying above the median wage, and an approved labor certification. A significant provision of the bill introduces dual intent for F-1 nonimmigrant students pursuing advanced STEM degrees at U.S. universities. This change allows these students to seek lawful permanent resident status without it negatively impacting their nonimmigrant student visa eligibility, addressing a long-standing barrier for international STEM graduates. Furthermore, the bill mandates a strengthened vetting process for these students, requiring comprehensive background checks and academic credential verification, with an emphasis on timely processing of applications. To ensure accountability and transparency, the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State are required to submit annual reports to Congress. These reports will detail the implementation and effectiveness of the new requirements, including data on visa application volumes, processing times, security outcomes, and the economic impacts of the program.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-4623
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-5924
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5477
Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023
Apr 1, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1233
Introduced in Senate
Apr 3, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 3, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-4623
    Keep STEM Talent Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-5924
    Keep STEM Talent Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5477
    Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023


  • April 1, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1233
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 3, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 3, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Bill Foster

Bill Foster

Democratic Representative

Illinois

Cosponsors (20)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Sam T. Liccardo (Democratic)Laura Friedman (Democratic)Sylvia R. Garcia (Democratic)Gabe Vasquez (Democratic)Chrissy Houlahan (Democratic)Darren Soto (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Steve Cohen (Democratic)Suzan K. DelBene (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Nikki Budzinski (Democratic)Joseph D. Morelle (Democratic)Emilia Strong Sykes (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Josh Riley (Democratic)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican)Michael Lawler (Republican)

Judiciary Committee

Immigration

Related Bills

  • S 119-1233: Keep STEM Talent Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted