How to Fill the Form I983 Training Plan

What is Form I-983 Training Plan

Prior to approaching your school DSO to request a new I-20 for the STEM OPT extension, you and your employer need to complete pages 1 through 4 of the new Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. This form provides your DSO with the information needed to make a determination on whether you are eligible for a STEM OPT extension. Page 6 of the form is completed prior to your first year of STEM OPT. Page 7 is completed at the conclusion of your 24-month training

Students who are applying for the STEM OPT extension under the regulations in effect as of May 10, 2016 must complete form I-983 with their employer before submitting a request for the STEM OPT extension to the Office of Global Services.

Below are detailed instructions for completing Section 1 of the I-983. The remainder of the form includes information that you must complete with your employer. All fields and signatures must be complete before you submit the application to the OGS. The US government has provided detailed instructions and a step-by-step tutorial for you and your employer to review when completing this form

Employer Information

In Section 5, the student and the supervisor must explain in detail the training that will be provided over the next 2 year period. The “Site Information” refers to your actual worksite location, which may be different from the employer address provided in Section 3. The official signing this section must be the supervisor that has signatory authority and who will conduct the 12-month and 24-month evaluation of the student. It does not have to be the same person who signs in Section 4.

Updates:

Students on the 24-month STEM OPT extension must submit a new Form I-983 to the OGS within 10 days of any changes in employer or any changes to their employment information. Changes in employment can include (but are not limited to):

any change of Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring,
any reduction in compensation from the amount previously submitted on the Form I‐983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” 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, and
any decrease in hours below the 20‐hours‐per‐week minimum required under this rule.