More foreign science students are now eligible to stay in the United States for up to 29 months after graduation to gain additional practical training, under a decision announced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on 12 May. The move adds 50 eligible disciplines, including agriscience, neuroscience and drug design, to the existing list. The DHS — which handles employment visas — says that the change is part of the government's efforts to address shortages of skilled scientists, and the agency expects more applications for extensions as the economy improves. The US visa process has long been criticized for cumbersome delays that have kept many foreign scientists out of the country.