STEM OPT Training Plan (Form I-983)

Who qualifies

F-1 students with a qualifying STEM degree on active post-completion OPT, working at least 20 hours per week for an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

The step-by-step roadmap

1. 1

   Enter Student and Employer Info

   Complete Sections 1 and 2 with your degree information, SEVIS ID, and company details.

   Watch out: Do not confuse your employer's EIN with their E-Verify company ID number.

   Common rejection reason: Mismatched SEVIS ID or incorrect CIP code for the qualifying degree.
2. 2

   Draft Training Objectives

   Collaborate with your employer to detail learning goals, oversight, and role assessment methods.

   Watch out: Avoid generic job descriptions; outline concrete skills tied to your STEM field.

   Common rejection reason: Vague training descriptions that fail to show direct relevance to the STEM major.
3. 3

   Obtain Official Signatures

   Have both yourself and an authorized corporate official sign the attestations in Sections 4 and 6.

   Watch out: Typed text fonts are usually not accepted as valid signatures; use wet ink or verified digital signatures.

   Common rejection reason: Missing supervisor signatures or signing by an unauthorized co-worker.
4. 4

   Submit to Your University DSO

   Provide the complete Form I-983 to your international student advisor to obtain your new Form I-20.

   Watch out: Do not mail Form I-983 directly to USCIS; it must be filed with your DSO first.

   Common rejection reason: Submitting after your current 12-month OPT period has already expired.

Documents you'll need

• Completed Form I-983

  Fully executed training plan document signed by you and your employer.

  Note: Must be completely filled out with no blank required fields.

• STEM Degree Transcripts or Diploma

  Official records verifying your degree level and specific CIP major code.

  Note: The CIP code must match an active designation on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

• Current Form I-20 and EAD Card

  Photocopies of your current initial 12-month OPT approval card and student record.