The ICE I-983 form, also known as the "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a critical document for international students seeking to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. This form outlines the training objectives and ensures that the employment aligns with the student's field of study. Completing the I-983 accurately is essential for compliance with immigration regulations and for a successful training experience.
The ICE I-983 form, also known as the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students, is a document required for students on F-1 visas who are applying for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This form outlines the training plan that the student will follow during their employment, ensuring that the experience is directly related to their field of study.
Students who are currently on F-1 visas and have completed a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field must submit the I-983 form when applying for a 24-month extension of their OPT. This includes both new applicants and those who are extending their current OPT period.
The I-983 form requires detailed information about the student, the employer, and the training plan. Key sections include the student's educational background, the employer's information, a description of the training opportunity, and how the training relates to the student’s degree. Additionally, it requires the employer to outline how they will provide oversight and mentorship during the training period.
The completed I-983 form must be submitted to the designated school official (DSO) at the student's educational institution. The DSO will review the form, provide necessary endorsements, and then submit it to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is crucial to ensure that the form is accurate and complete before submission.
If the I-983 form is not submitted, the student may not be eligible for the STEM OPT extension. It is important to adhere to all submission deadlines and requirements to maintain legal status in the United States. Failure to comply can result in the termination of the student's F-1 status.
Yes, if there are changes to the training plan or employment situation after the I-983 form has been submitted, the student and employer must update the form. Any significant changes should be reported to the DSO, who will assist in the amendment process to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.
Additional information about the I-983 form can be found on the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website. It is advisable to consult the website for the most current guidelines and instructions, as regulations may change.
The ICE I-983 form, also known as the "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is essential for students seeking to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the STEM fields. However, several misconceptions surround this form that can lead to confusion. Here are eight common misunderstandings:
Understanding these misconceptions can help students navigate the STEM OPT application process more effectively. Always consult with your university's international student office or a qualified advisor for guidance.
When filling out the ICE I-983 form, individuals often encounter several common mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in their application process. Here’s a list of five mistakes to watch out for:
Many applicants fail to provide all the necessary details. Every section of the form must be filled out completely to avoid processing delays. Leaving sections blank can raise red flags and may result in a rejection.
Providing inaccurate details about the employer, such as the company name, address, or contact information, can create confusion. It’s crucial to double-check this information for accuracy.
Some forget to sign the form. A signature is essential as it confirms that the applicant agrees to the terms outlined in the document. Without a signature, the form is considered invalid.
Each section of the form comes with specific instructions. Ignoring these can lead to mistakes. Carefully reading and adhering to the guidelines ensures that the form is completed correctly.
Applicants sometimes overlook the need to attach supporting documents. These documents are vital for validating the information provided on the form. Failing to include them can lead to delays or denials.
By being aware of these common mistakes, applicants can improve their chances of a smooth and successful application process. Take your time, review your entries, and ensure everything is accurate before submission!
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 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:
Printed Name of Employing Organization:
Page 2 of 5
SECTION 5: TRAINING PLAN FOR STEM OPT STUDENTS (Completed by Student and Employer)
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.
Page 3 of 5
Additional Remarks (optional): Provide additional information pertinent to the Plan.
SECTION 6: EMPLOYER OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION
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.
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.
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):
Printed Name of Employer Official with Signatory Authority:
FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS
Page 5 of 5
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