Definition & Meaning
The Form I-983, "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a critical document required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for international students on a student visa (F-1) seeking a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) OPT extension. This form outlines the training plan agreed upon by the student and their employer, ensuring that the employment is directly related to the student's degree program and provides practical training to enhance their educational experience. The form serves as a formal agreement detailing the specific objectives of the training and how it complements the academic curriculum.
How to Use the Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
To properly utilize the Form I-983, both students and employers need to understand their roles. First and foremost, the form must be filled out comprehensively to showcase the alignment of the job duties with the educational goals of the student. Employers need to describe in detail the tasks and projects that the student will tackle, emphasizing skill development relevant to their field of study. The student should review the form meticulously to ensure that it accurately reflects their training plan. Both parties must sign the form, indicating their commitment to adhering to the described training objectives and compliance with STEM OPT program requirements.
Key Elements of the Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
- Student Information: Basic personal and academic details of the student, including Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID and educational background.
- Employer Information: Critical details about the employer, such as the Employer Identification Number (EIN), company address, size, and primary contact within the organization.
- Training Plan Details: Breakdown of the proposed training, outlining the goals, objectives, technologies, skills, and knowledge that the student will acquire.
- Supervision and Assessment Strategies: Explanation of how the student will be supervised and how performance assessments will be conducted, ensuring accountability and learning progress.
- STEM OPT Employer Certification: A declaration by the employer certifying their commitment to the training plan and compliance with the regulatory requirements.
Steps to Complete the Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
- Gather Information: Collect all necessary personal, academic, and employment details.
- Coordinate with Employer: Work closely with your employer to draft a training plan that aligns with academic pursuits.
- Complete Sections of the Form: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately, including the proposed start and end dates for the STEM OPT period.
- Review and Sign: Both the student and an authorized employer representative should review the completed form, sign, and date it.
- Submit to Your Designated School Official (DSO): Present the signed form to your DSO for review and retention in your student file.
Important Terms Related to Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
- STEM OPT Extension: A 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training specifically for STEM degree holders.
- SEVIS ID: An identification number assigned to the student in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
- Designated School Official (DSO): A school representative responsible for supporting international students through compliance with visa requirements.
Who Typically Uses the Form I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
The primary users of the Form I-983 are international students in the United States on F-1 visas who have completed a degree in a STEM field and wish to extend their stay for practical training purposes. Employers who offer practical training opportunities to these students are also significant users of this form, as they are responsible for cooperating with the student to detail the training objectives and certify compliance.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for submitting Form I-983, students must meet certain criteria:
- Be an F-1 student currently participating in post-completion OPT.
- Hold a qualifying STEM degree from a U.S.-accredited institution listed on the Department of Homeland Security’s designated STEM degree program list.
- Have an employer willing to provide training that adheres to the educational objectives of their degree.
Application Process & Approval Time
Completing and submitting the Form I-983 is one part of the process to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Once the form is completed and signed by both the student and employer, it is submitted to the DSO at the student's educational institution. After DSO endorsement, it must be submitted with the STEM OPT application (Form I-765) to USCIS. Approval times can vary, but it's advisable to apply as early as possible within the provided timeline to avoid any interruptions in employment eligibility.
