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Misconceptions

The ICE I-983 form, also known as the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, is an important document for students on STEM Optional Practical Training. However, several misconceptions surround this form. Understanding these misconceptions can help ensure that students and their employers navigate the process smoothly.

  • Misconception 1: The I-983 form is optional for STEM OPT students.

    • This is not true. Completing the I-983 form is a requirement for all students applying for STEM OPT extension. It outlines the training plan and ensures that the employment is directly related to the student’s field of study.

  • Misconception 2: The employer must be a large company to sponsor the I-983 form.

    • This is incorrect. Any employer, regardless of size, can sponsor a student for the I-983 form as long as they can provide a structured training plan that meets the requirements.

  • Misconception 3: The I-983 form is only about the employer's responsibilities.

    • While the employer's responsibilities are outlined, the form also details the student's role and expectations. Both parties must collaborate to create a comprehensive training plan.

  • Misconception 4: Once submitted, the I-983 form cannot be changed.

    • This is a common misunderstanding. If there are changes in the training plan or employment situation, the form can be updated and resubmitted to reflect the new circumstances.

  • Misconception 5: The I-983 form guarantees job placement.

    • Submitting the I-983 form does not guarantee employment. It is a tool to outline the training plan, but securing a job is still the responsibility of the student.

  • Misconception 6: The I-983 form is only relevant during the application process.

    • The I-983 form remains relevant throughout the duration of the STEM OPT period. Students must adhere to the training plan and report any significant changes to their designated school official (DSO).

  • Misconception 7: The I-983 form is not reviewed by anyone.

    • In reality, the I-983 form is reviewed by the DSO at the student’s institution. They ensure that the plan meets the necessary guidelines before it is submitted to USCIS.

  • Misconception 8: The I-983 form can be filled out by anyone.

    • Only the student and their employer should fill out the I-983 form. It is essential that both parties collaborate to ensure the information is accurate and reflects the training plan.

  • Misconception 9: The I-983 form is a one-time requirement.

    • This is misleading. Students must update the form whenever there are changes to their training plan or employment status, making it an ongoing requirement during the STEM OPT period.

File Details

Fact Name Details
Purpose The ICE I-983 form is used for students on STEM OPT to outline their training plan.
Eligibility Only students who have completed a degree in a STEM field are eligible to use this form.
Training Plan The form requires a detailed description of the training plan, including goals and objectives.
Employer's Role The employer must provide a commitment to mentoring and training the student throughout the program.
Duration The I-983 form must be submitted within 10 days of starting a new job or changing employers.
Review Process USCIS reviews the form to ensure compliance with STEM OPT regulations.
Signature Requirement Both the student and the employer must sign the form to validate the training plan.
State-Specific Laws While the I-983 is federal, employers must comply with state labor laws where the training occurs.
Updates Any significant changes to the training plan must be reported and a new I-983 submitted.

Key takeaways

The ICE I-983 form is an important document for international students participating in STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). Here are key takeaways regarding its completion and use:

  • The form is required for students seeking to apply for STEM OPT extension.
  • It outlines the training plan, detailing how the job relates to the student’s field of study.
  • Collaboration between the student and employer is crucial for filling out the form accurately.
  • Both the student and the employer must sign the form, indicating mutual agreement on the training plan.
  • Students should provide specific goals and objectives for their training experience.
  • Employers must describe how they will provide mentorship and oversight during the training period.
  • Submit the completed form to the Designated School Official (DSO) for review and endorsement.
  • Keep a copy of the signed form for personal records and future reference.
  • Regularly review and update the training plan as necessary to reflect any changes in the employment situation.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the ICE I-983 form, it's important to follow certain guidelines. Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn't do:

  • Do: Provide accurate and complete information.
  • Do: Review the form carefully before submitting.
  • Do: Seek help if you have questions about specific sections.
  • Do: Keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
  • Don't: Leave any required fields blank.
  • Don't: Use vague language; be clear and specific.
  • Don't: Submit the form without checking for errors.
  • Don't: Forget to sign and date the form before submission.

Common mistakes

  1. Inaccurate Information: Providing incorrect personal details such as name, address, or contact information can lead to delays or rejections.

  2. Incomplete Sections: Failing to fill out all required sections of the form can result in the application being considered incomplete.

  3. Neglecting Signatures: Not signing the form or having the required parties sign can invalidate the submission.

  4. Insufficient Training Plans: A vague or poorly defined training plan may not meet the expectations set by the program, leading to complications.

  5. Ignoring Deadlines: Submitting the form past the deadline can result in automatic disqualification from the program.

  6. Not Reviewing for Errors: Skipping a thorough review of the form before submission can allow small mistakes to go unnoticed.

  7. Failing to Provide Supporting Documents: Not including necessary documentation, such as a detailed training plan or employer information, can hinder the approval process.

  8. Misunderstanding Eligibility Criteria: Not fully understanding the eligibility requirements can lead to submitting an application that does not qualify.

  9. Overlooking Updates: Failing to stay informed about any changes to the form or process can result in using outdated information.

What You Should Know About This Form

  1. What is the ICE I-983 form?

    The ICE I-983 form, also known as the "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a document required for students applying for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This form outlines the training plan that the student will follow during their employment in a STEM field.

  2. Who needs to submit the I-983 form?

    Students who are currently on OPT and wish to apply for a 24-month extension in a STEM field must submit the I-983 form. This includes those who have earned a degree in an eligible STEM discipline from a U.S. institution.

  3. What information is required on the I-983 form?

    The I-983 form requires detailed information about the student's training plan, including:

    • The student's personal information.
    • The employer's information.
    • A description of the training program.
    • Goals and objectives of the training.
    • How the training relates to the student's degree.
    • Evaluation methods to assess the student's progress.

  4. How do I complete the I-983 form?

    To complete the I-983 form, students should work closely with their employer. It is important to provide accurate and comprehensive information. Each section of the form must be filled out carefully, ensuring that all details align with the training and job responsibilities.

  5. Where do I submit the I-983 form?

    The completed I-983 form should be submitted to the designated school official (DSO) at the student's educational institution. The DSO will review the form and, if everything is in order, will recommend the STEM OPT extension in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

  6. What happens after I submit the I-983 form?

    After submission, the DSO will review the form and may provide feedback or request additional information. Once approved, the DSO will issue a new Form I-20, which the student must include with their application for the STEM OPT extension to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

ICE I-983 Example

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

TRAINING PLAN FOR STEM OPT STUDENTS

OMB APPROVAL NO. 1653-0054 EXPIRATION DATE: 7/31/2021

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT)

SECTION 1: STUDENT INFORMATION (Completed by Student)

Student Name (Surname/Primary Name, Given Name):

 

Student Email Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of School Recommending

 

Name of School Where STEM

 

SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT (including 3-

STEM OPT:

 

Degree Was Earned:

 

digit suffix):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designated School Official (DSO) Name and Contact Information:

Student SEVIS ID No.:

 

STEM OPT Requested Period (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From:

 

 

 

 

 

 

To:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level/Type of Qualifying Degree:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Awarded (mm-dd-yyyy):

Based on Prior Degree?

Yes

Employment Authorization Number:

No

SECTION 2: STUDENT CERTIFICATION

I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that the statements and information made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that the law provides severe penalties for knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using any false document in the submission of this form.

I certify that:

1.I have reviewed,understand,and will adhere to this Training Plan for STEM OPT Students (“Plan”);

2.I will notify the DSO at the earliest available opportunity if I believe that my employer is not providing me with appropriate training as delineated on this Plan;

3.I understand that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may deny, revoke, or terminate the STEM OPT of students whom DHS determines are not engaging in OPT in compliance with the law, including the STEM OPT of students who are not, or whose employers are not, complying with this Plan;

4.My practical training opportunity is directly related to the STEM degree that qualifies me for the STEM OPT extension; and

5.I will notify the DSO at the earliest available opportunity regarding any material changes to or deviations from this Plan, including but not limited to, any change of Employer Identification Number resulting from a corporate restructuring, any nontrivial reduction in compensation from the amount previously submitted on the Plan that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked, any significant decrease in hours per week that I engage in a STEM training opportunity, and any decrease in hours below the 20-hours-per-week minimum required under this rule.

Signature of Student (Sign in ink):

Printed Name of Student:

 

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

ICE Form I-983 (7/16)

Page 1 of 5

SECTION 3: EMPLOYER INFORMATION (Completed by Employer)

Employer Name:

 

 

Street Address:

 

Suite:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer Website URL:

 

 

City:

State:

 

ZIP Code:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer ID Number (EIN):

Number of Full-Time

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code:

 

 

Employees in U.S.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPT Hours Per Week (must be at least 20

Compensation:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

hours/week):

A. Salary Amount and Frequency:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. Other Compensation (Type and Estimated Amount or Value):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Start Date of Employment (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION 4: EMPLOYER CERTIFICATION

I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that the statements and information made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that the law provides severe penalties for knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using any false document in the submission of this form.

I certify on behalf of the employer that this Training Plan for STEM OPT Students (“Plan”) is approved and that:

1.I have reviewed and understand this Plan, and I will ensure that the supervising Official follows this Plan;

2.I will notify the DSO at the earliest available opportunity regarding any material changes to this Plan, including but 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 Plan 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;

3.Within five business days of the termination or departure of the student during the authorized period of OPT, I will report such termination or departure to the DSO (Note: business days do not include federal holidays or weekend days; and an employer shall consider a student to have departed when the employer knows the student has left the practical training opportunity, or when the student has not reported for practical training for a period of five consecutive business days without the consent of the employer); and

4.I will adhere to all applicable regulatory provisions that govern this program (see 8 CFR Part 214), which include, but are not limited to, the following:

a.The student’s practical training opportunity is directly related to the STEM degree that qualifies the student for the STEM OPT extension, and the position offered to the student achieves the objectives of his or her participation in this training program;

b.The student will receive on-site supervision and training, consistent with this Plan, by experienced and knowledgeable staff;

c.The employer has sufficient resources and personnel to provide the specified training program set forth in this Plan, and the employer is prepared to implement that program, including at the location(s) identified in this Plan;

d.The student on a STEM OPT extension will not replace a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker. The terms and conditions of the STEM practical training opportunity—including duties, hours, and compensation—are commensurate with the terms and conditions applicable to the employer’s similarly situated U.S. workers or, if the employer does not employ and has not recently employed more than two similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment, the terms and conditions of other similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment; and

e.The training conducted pursuant to this Plan complies with all applicable Federal and State requirements relating to employment.

Note: DHS may, at its discretion, conduct a site visit of the employer to ensure that program requirements are being met, including that the employer possesses and maintains the ability and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences consistent with this Plan.

Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):

Printed Name and Title of Employer Official with Signatory Authority:

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

Printed Name of Employing Organization:

ICE Form I-983 (7/16)

Page 2 of 5

SECTION 5: TRAINING PLAN FOR STEM OPT STUDENTS (Completed by Student and Employer)

Student Name (Surname/Primary Name, Given Name):

Employer Name:

EMPLOYER SITE INFORMATION

Site Name:

Name of Official:

Official's Email:

Site Address (Street, City, State, ZIP):

Official's Title:

Official's Phone Number:

Note: for the remaining fields in this section, employers who already have an internal/pre-existing training plan in place may fill in the details based on that plan.

Student Role: Describe the student's role with the employer and how that role is directly related to enhancing the student's knowledge obtained through his or her qualifying STEM degree.

Goals and Objectives: Describe how the assignment(s) with the employer will help the student achieve his or her specific objectives for work-based learning related to his or her STEM degree. The description must both specify the student's goals regarding specific knowledge, skills, or techniques as well as the means by which they will be achieved.

Employer Oversight: Explain how the employer provides oversight and supervision of individuals filling positions such as that being filled by the named F-1 student. If the employer has a training program or related policy in place that controls such oversight and supervision, please describe.

Measures and Assessments: Explain how the employer measures and confirms whether individuals filling positions such as that being filled by the named F-1 student are acquiring new knowledge and skills. If the employer has a training program or related policy in place that controls such measures and assessments, please describe.

ICE Form I-983 (7/16)

Page 3 of 5

Additional Remarks (optional): Provide additional information pertinent to the Plan.

SECTION 6: EMPLOYER OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION

I declare and affirm under penalty of perjury that the statements and information made herein are true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information and belief. I understand that the law provides severe penalties for knowingly and willfully falsifying or concealing a material fact, or using any false document in the submission of this form.

Employer Official with Signatory Authority - I certify that:

1.I have reviewed, understand, and will follow this Training Plan for STEM OPT Students (Plan);

2.I will conduct the required periodic evaluations of the student;*

3.I will adhere to all applicable regulatory provisions that govern this program (see 8 CFR Part 214.2(f)(10)(ii)); and

4.I will notify the DSO regarding any material changes to or material deviations from this Plan at the earliest available opportunity, including if I believe the student is not receiving appropriate training as delineated in this Plan.

Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):

Printed Name and Title of Employer Official with Signatory Authority:

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

PRIVACY ACT STATEMENT

AUTHORITIES: Section 101(a)(15)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F), Section 641 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), Pub. L. 104-208, Div. C, 110 Stat. 3009-546 (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1372), Section 502 of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-173, 116 Stat. 543 (codified at 8 U.S.C. 1762) and Homeland Security Presidential Directive No. 2 (HSPD-2), authorize U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to collect the information requested in this form.

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.

ROUTINE USES: The information collected on this form may be shared with: the individuals who signed the Plan, relevant DSOs acting as liaisons with the DHS, Federal, State, local, or foreign government entities for law enforcement purposes, Members of Congress in response to requests on the Student’s behalf, or as otherwise authorized pursuant to its published Privacy Act system of records notice - Privacy Act of 1974: U.S.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement, DHS/ICE-001 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) System of Records (https://www.dhs.gov/system-records-notices-sorns).

DISCLOSURE: The information you provide is voluntary. However, failure to provide the information requested on this form may delay or prevent participation in a STEM OPT opportunity.

PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT

The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 7.5 hours per response, including time required for searching existing data sources, gathering the necessary documentation, providing the information and/or documents required, and reviewing the final collection. You do not have to supply this information unless this collection displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. If you have comments on the accuracy of this burden estimate and/or recommendations for reducing it, send them to: U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of Policy, 500 12th Street SW, Washington, D.C. 20536

*See evaluation forms that follow for student’s first evaluation, to occur before the one year anniversary of the start date of the student’s STEM OPT employment authorization, and final program evaluation.

ICE Form I-983 (7/16)

Page 4 of 5

EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS

Provide a self-evaluation of your performance, using the measures previously identified, in applying and acquiring new knowledge, skills, and competencies identified in the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. Discuss accomplishments, successful projects, overall contributions, etc., during this review period. Address whether there are any modifications to the objectives and goals for projects, or new areas for skill and competency development.

Range of Evaluation Dates: From (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

To (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

 

Signature of Student (Sign in ink):

Printed Name of Student:

 

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):

Printed Name of Employer Official with Signatory Authority:

 

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS

Provide a self-evaluation of your performance, using the measures previously identified, in applying and acquiring new knowledge, skills, and competencies identified in the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. Discuss accomplishments, successful projects, overall contributions, etc., during this review period. Address whether there are any modifications to the objectives and goals for projects, or new areas for skill and competency development.

Range of Evaluation Dates: From (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

To (mm-dd-yyyy):

 

 

Signature of Student (Sign in ink):

Printed Name of Student:

 

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):

Printed Name of Employer Official with Signatory Authority:

 

Date (mm-dd-yyyy):

ICE Form I-983 (7/16)

Page 5 of 5

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