(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

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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

3. Who Needs One?

Any F‑1 student holding a qualifying STEM degree who is either seeking or currently within the 24-month extension window is required to file an I‑983 form with each STEM-OPT employer. This requirement applies universally, encompassing all employment situations, including unpaid internships and multiple concurrent roles. The I‑983 form is essential for demonstrating how the employment opportunity aligns with the student’s field of study and contributes to their professional development. Failure to submit this form can jeopardize the student’s eligibility for the STEM OPT extension. It is crucial for students to understand that the I‑983 must be updated and resubmitted whenever there are changes in their employment circumstances, such as a new employer or a shift in job responsibilities. For a comprehensive overview of the STEM OPT process, including detailed guidelines and resources, you can visit the USCIS website. Additionally, students should consider the following key points when preparing their I‑983 submissions:

• Alignment with Degree: Ensure that the job duties are directly related to your field of study.
• Mentorship: Identify a mentor at the employer’s organization who will oversee your training.
• Evaluation Process: Outline how your progress will be evaluated throughout your employment.

By adhering to these guidelines, F‑1 students can maximize their opportunities during the STEM OPT period and enhance their professional skills in a competitive job market.

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

To ensure you are accessing the most up-to-date version of the form, it is crucial to download the PDF directly from the official websites of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This guarantees that you are using the latest edition, which may include important updates or changes in regulations. You can find the current form at the following link: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf. Additionally, always verify that the document is not outdated by checking the publication date on the PDF itself. For further guidance on navigating the complexities of immigration forms, consider visiting our comprehensive resource page on immigration documentation. This will help you stay informed about the latest requirements and best practices.

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

Failing to file your STEM OPT application can lead to serious consequences that extend beyond immediate denial or revocation of your status. When USCIS denies or revokes your STEM OPT, it not only affects your current work authorization but also has long-term implications for your immigration status. For instance, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) will automatically terminate your status if you engage in any unauthorized employment. This termination can jeopardize your eligibility for future visa applications, including the highly sought-after H-1B visa or even permanent residency through a green card. Understanding the ramifications of not filing is crucial for international students who wish to maintain their legal status in the United States. Here are some key points to consider:

• Loss of Work Authorization: Without a valid STEM OPT, you cannot legally work in the U.S., which can impact your career trajectory.
• Impact on Future Applications: A denied STEM OPT can create complications for future immigration filings, making it harder to secure an H-1B or green card.
• SEVIS Termination: Unauthorized work leads to automatic SEVIS termination, which can have a cascading effect on your immigration status.

To avoid these pitfalls, it is essential to stay informed and proactive about your filing deadlines and requirements. For more detailed information on the STEM OPT process, you can visit the USCIS website.

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!