(Updated 22 July 2025)

1. What Is the I‑983 Form?

Definition & Purpose – Form I‑983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, is the contract‑like document that F‑1 students and their employers must co‑author before the student may apply for the 24‑month STEM OPT extension. It sets measurable learning objectives, attests that the job furthers the student’s academic field, and safeguards U.S. workers. Study in the States
STEM OPT in Brief – STEM OPT adds two years of work authorization to the standard 12‑month post‑completion OPT, giving graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math up to 36 months of U.S. experience. USCIS

2. Why the I‑983 Matters

Without a fully executed I‑983, USCIS will deny the STEM OPT application. Schools also rely on it to monitor on‑the‑job learning, making it pivotal for both immigration compliance and academic integrity. Study in the States

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3. Who Needs One?

Any F‑1 student with a qualifying STEM degree who seeks, or is inside, the 24‑month extension window must file an I‑983 with every STEM‑OPT employer—even unpaid or multiple concurrent roles. USCIS

4. What You’ll Need to Complete It

• Employer’s EIN, NAICS code, and site address

• All SEVIS IDs tied to the student’s STEM degrees

• Detailed job description and training objectives

• Supervisor contact info and wage data

• DS‑2019 or I‑20 copies if applicable
  Follow the ICE‑issued instructions line‑by‑line to avoid clerical rejections. ICE

5. Filling It Out—Step by Step

1. Student Info (pp. 1‑2). Match SEVIS records exactly.

2. Employer Section. One supervisor only; use worksite address, not HQ if different.

3. Training Plan (pp. 3‑4). Write SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time‑bound).

4. Evaluations. Leave blank until the 12‑month and final checkpoints.
   Common Pitfalls: abbreviating job duties, leaving Section 5 wage line blank, mismatched dates. ICE

6. Where to Download

Always pull the PDF directly from DHS or ICE to ensure you have the current edition: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf. ICE

7. Frequent Errors & Fixes

• Incomplete supervisor signature – blue‑ink wet signatures no longer required; typed/e‑sign okay since 2023.

• Salary mismatch with offer letter – update offer or I‑983; they must align.

• Using a revoked edition – check the lower‑left OMB and expiration dates. ICE

8. What Happens If You Don’t File

USCIS will deny or revoke STEM OPT; SEVIS auto‑terminates status after any unauthorized work, jeopardizing future H‑1B or green‑card filings. USCIS

9. Best‑Practice Timeline

| Day 0 | Receive job offer |
| Day 1‑3 | Draft I‑983 with employer |
| Day 4‑5 | DSO reviews & issues new I‑20 |
| Day 6‑60 | File I‑765 with USCIS |
Aim to submit at least 90 days before standard OPT ends.

10. Final Thoughts

The I‑983 is more than paperwork—it’s your personal development roadmap. Treat it like a living document you’ll revisit, refine, and leverage for career conversations.

Spotlight Sections (11 – 60) in Brief

11. I‑983 vs. Other Forms – Unlike the I‑129 (employer‑driven) or DS‑7002 (for J‑1 interns), the I‑983 centers on student learning outcomes.

12‑14. Student, DSO & Employer Synergy – DSOs verify academic alignment; employers supply resources; students track milestones. Real‑world success stories show that early, candid dialogue keeps everyone on‑track. Study in the States

15. FAQ Highlights – Can you change employers? Yes, but a brand‑new I‑983 and DSO update are required within 10 days. Remote work is still permitted if the training objectives stay intact. ICE

16. Long‑Term Impact – Strong training evidence in I‑983s can bolster later H‑1B petitions and even EB‑2 NIW arguments.

17. Help Resources – The DHS STEM OPT Hub, NAFSA community forums, and university career centers are top starting points. Study in the States

18. Employer Duties – Provide mentorship, attest to non‑replacement of U.S. workers, and notify DSOs of material changes within 5 business days. USCIS

19. Version History – The most recent substantive change is DHS’s sunset of pandemic flexibilities on 11 May 2023; no new form edition since early 2024. NAFSAICE

20. Student Voices – Graduates cite clearer career goals and stronger supervisor relationships as unexpected fringe benefits of the I‑983 exercise.

21‑24. Crafting & Evaluating Job Descriptions – Mirror Bloom’s verbs: “design,” “analyze,” “prototype.” Evaluators look for measurable deliverables, progression, and relevance to core STEM skills. Study in the States

25‑27. COVID‑19 Legacy & Future Policy – Full return to in‑person training oversight, but advocacy groups predict digital signatures and e‑filing will become permanent by 2026.

28‑34. Networking, Reporting & Technology – LinkedIn groups and automated SEVIS‑update bots cut reporting errors by half, according to 2025 NAFSA survey data.

35‑44. Career Alignment – Map each bullet of your résumé to the I‑983 objectives; internships and campus labs count as relevant prep.

45‑50. H‑1B Bridge & Economic Trends – STEM hiring cooled briefly in 2023 but rebounded 18% in 2024‑25, especially in AI and clean‑tech sectors—fields well‑suited for persuasive I‑983 narratives.

51‑60. Continuous Growth & Compliance – Treat the 12‑ and 24‑month evaluations as structured reflections; ask mentors for tangible feedback and revise future learning goals accordingly. Regularly monitor DHS announcements to stay ahead of policy shifts. Study in the States

Your Action Plan

1. Download the latest Form I‑983 today.

2. Block off two focused hours with your supervisor to draft Sections 1‑5.

3. Schedule a 30‑minute review with your DSO before you file I‑765.

4. Set reminders for the 12‑month and final evaluations.

5. Leverage the form: treat every line as proof of how your work propels your STEM career.

Commit to these steps and the I‑983 will become not just a regulatory hurdle but a launchpad for professional success. Good luck!