Get 983i

A STEM OPT student and their employer must obtain, complete and sign the Form I-983 before the student may apply for a STEM OPT extension. The STEM OPT student and their employer must work together to complete the Form I-983.

The Form I-983 is a new form used to formalize a 24-month STEM extension. OIA must have a Form I-983 Training Plan from you before we can create an I-20 recommending the 24-month STEM extension. Form I-983 and instructions can be found here. We understand that completing the Form I-983 can be confusing.

No. A completed and signed Form I-983 must be submitted to OIS as part of the request for a new I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation. However, a student or OIS may also be required to submit the I-983 to ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and/or USCIS upon request.

Material changes or deviations from the original Form I-983 may include, but are not limited to: Any change of the employer's EIN. Any reduction in student compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked. Any significant decrease in hours per week that a student engages in a STEM training opportunity.

DHS requires that the STEM OPT student and employer work together to complete the Form I-983. Properly completing this form will successfully document the relationship between the STEM OPT opportunity, the academic degree received and the learning objectives of the F-1 student.

Paid Employment Employment during STEM OPT must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan. Unpaid internships, volunteering, community service work, and unpaid research are not valid employment types on STEM OPT.

PURPOSE: The information collection on this form is used to assist in the administration of the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension so that Designated School Officials (DSO) can properly recommend the Student for and review and help coordinate his or her STEM optional practical training opportunity.

DHS requires that the STEM OPT student and employer work together to complete the Form I-983. Properly completing this form will successfully document the relationship between the STEM OPT opportunity, the academic degree received and the learning objectives of the F-1 student.