Because demography is a STEM-designated field, international students are advised to add Demography to your records in iStart, Penn State's immigration management system for the International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA). The iStart system is linked to SEVIS, the U.S. government database for student’s immigration records.
How do I add Demography to iStart?
- Go to iStart & login: https://istart.gp.psu.edu/istart/controllers/start/StartEngine.cfm
- Go to I-20 or DS-2019 Requests
- Click on Change of major/Add a second major
- Add Demography as the second major
Once a STEM-eligible major is reflected in their SEVIS record, the student may apply for the STEM OPT Extension 90 days prior to the end date of their OPT.
What if I am enrolled in two STEM-designated majors?
Students who have more than one STEM-eligible major will, as part of their federal F-1 reporting requirements, need to explain how the employment they may seek/have obtained relates to both STEM majors. This requirement typically drives the student’s job search in a certain direction, as the STEM-eligible majors will be the anchor for the employment and the required reporting.