Contents
Form Specs
| Fact Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The ICE I-983 form is used for students in STEM fields to apply for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. |
| Eligibility | To qualify, students must have completed a degree in a STEM field and be currently on an approved OPT. |
| Completion Requirement | Students must work with their employer to complete the form, detailing the training plan and how it relates to their degree. |
| Submission | The completed I-983 form must be submitted to the designated school official (DSO) for approval before sending it to USCIS. |
Dos and Don'ts
When filling out the ICE I-983 form, it’s important to approach the process with care. Here’s a list of things to do and things to avoid to ensure your application is completed correctly.
- Do read the instructions thoroughly before starting the form.
- Do provide accurate and truthful information throughout the form.
- Do ensure all required fields are completed.
- Do double-check your contact information for accuracy.
- Do keep a copy of the completed form for your records.
- Don't leave any sections blank unless instructed to do so.
- Don't use jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reviewer.
- Don't submit the form without proofreading for errors.
- Don't rush through the process; take your time to ensure completeness.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your ICE I-983 form is filled out correctly and submitted without issues.
Other PDF Documents
Geico Supplement - Utilize checklists to ensure all components are included.
To facilitate a smooth transaction, it is crucial for sellers and buyers to use the appropriate documentation, such as the Illinois Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale form. This form not only captures vital information regarding the parties involved but also outlines the specifics of the vehicle being sold. For more information or to obtain this form, you can visit https://formsillinois.com.
Who Must File 1099-nec - Understanding the 1099-NEC is vital for contract workers to fulfill their tax obligations.
Common mistakes
-
Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to provide all necessary details on the form. This can include missing signatures, dates, or required fields. Omitting any of this information can lead to delays or even rejection of the application.
-
Incorrect Job Descriptions: A common mistake is inaccurately describing the job responsibilities or the nature of the training. It is essential to ensure that the descriptions align with the actual duties and learning objectives. Misrepresentations can result in complications with the application process.
-
Failure to Align Goals: Applicants often neglect to clearly articulate how the training aligns with their academic and career goals. The form should reflect a coherent plan that connects the training opportunity to future aspirations. Without this alignment, the application may lack clarity and purpose.
-
Lack of Supporting Documentation: Some individuals do not include necessary supporting documents, such as the training plan or evaluation criteria. These documents are crucial for demonstrating the legitimacy and educational value of the training experience. Their absence can weaken the application significantly.
Documents used along the form
The ICE I-983 form is a critical document for students participating in STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. It outlines the training plan and ensures compliance with federal regulations. However, several other forms and documents often accompany the I-983 to facilitate the OPT process and ensure that all requirements are met. Below is a list of these essential documents.
- Form I-20: This is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. It is issued by the educational institution and confirms that the student is enrolled in a full-time program.
- Form I-765: This is the Application for Employment Authorization. Students must submit this form to request authorization to work in the United States during their OPT period.
- Form I-94: This document serves as the Arrival/Departure Record. It provides proof of the student's legal entry into the U.S. and outlines the terms of their stay.
- South Carolina Motor Vehicle Bill of Sale: Completing this essential form ensures a legitimate transfer of vehicle ownership. You can download the document for your use during the transaction.
- Employer Offer Letter: This letter is provided by the employer and details the job offer, including the position, responsibilities, and duration of employment. It is often required to support the I-983 form.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume: A CV or resume is necessary to outline the student's educational background, work experience, and skills relevant to the desired position.
- Job Description: This document outlines the specific duties and responsibilities of the position the student will hold during their OPT. It should align with the training plan described in the I-983.
Each of these documents plays a vital role in the overall application process for STEM OPT. Students must ensure that they complete and submit all required forms accurately and promptly to avoid delays in their employment authorization and training opportunities.
Misconceptions
The ICE I-983 form, officially known as the "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a crucial document for international students seeking to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) in STEM fields. However, many misconceptions surround this form. Let's clear up some of the most common misunderstandings.
- Misconception 1: The I-983 form is only for students in science and engineering fields.
- Misconception 2: Completing the I-983 is a one-time task.
- Misconception 3: The employer is solely responsible for the I-983 form.
- Misconception 4: The I-983 form guarantees an extension of OPT.
- Misconception 5: There are no consequences for inaccuracies on the I-983.
- Misconception 6: The I-983 form is only required at the beginning of the STEM OPT period.
- Misconception 7: The I-983 form is not important for future immigration benefits.
This is not true. While the form is specifically designed for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students, it applies to a broader range of fields that qualify under the STEM OPT extension.
In reality, the I-983 must be updated whenever there are significant changes to the training plan or the student's employment situation. This ensures that the information remains accurate and relevant.
While the employer plays a significant role in the process, the student must also contribute. Both parties need to collaborate to ensure the training plan meets all requirements.
Submitting the I-983 does not automatically secure an extension. The form is just one part of the application process, and approval is ultimately at the discretion of USCIS.
Inaccuracies can lead to serious issues, including the denial of the OPT extension or even jeopardizing the student’s immigration status. It's essential to provide truthful and precise information.
Students must submit the I-983 form at the beginning of their STEM OPT, but they are also required to submit periodic evaluations throughout their training period. This helps maintain transparency and compliance.
On the contrary, a well-completed I-983 can positively impact future immigration applications. It demonstrates compliance with regulations and a commitment to professional development.
Understanding these misconceptions can help students navigate the complexities of the I-983 form more effectively. Always ensure that you stay informed and seek assistance when needed to make the most of your STEM OPT experience.
Preview - ICE I-983 Form
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
TRAINING PLAN FOR STEM OPT STUDENTS
OMB APPROVAL NO.
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 |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
From: |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
To: |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||
Level/Type of Qualifying Degree: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date Awarded
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
Signature of Student (Sign in ink):
Printed Name of Student: |
|
Date |
ICE Form |
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 |
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 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
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
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
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
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
Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):
Printed Name and Title of Employer Official with Signatory Authority:
Date |
|
Printed Name of Employing Organization: |
ICE Form |
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
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
Employer Oversight: Explain how the employer provides oversight and supervision of individuals filling positions such as that being filled by the named
Measures and Assessments: Explain how the employer measures and confirms whether individuals filling positions such as that being filled by the named
ICE Form |
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
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.
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,
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 |
Page 4 of 5 |
EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS
Provide a
Range of Evaluation Dates: From |
|
To |
|
|
Signature of Student (Sign in ink):
Printed Name of Student: |
|
Date |
Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):
Printed Name of Employer Official with Signatory Authority: |
|
Date |
FINAL EVALUATION ON STUDENT PROGRESS
Provide a
Range of Evaluation Dates: From |
|
To |
|
|
Signature of Student (Sign in ink):
Printed Name of Student: |
|
Date |
Signature of Employer Official with Signatory Authority (Sign in ink):
Printed Name of Employer Official with Signatory Authority: |
|
Date |
ICE Form |
Page 5 of 5 |
Key takeaways
When filling out and using the ICE I-983 form, there are several important points to keep in mind. These takeaways will help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that all necessary information is provided.
- Understand the Purpose: The I-983 form is designed to outline the training plan for students on STEM OPT. It is essential to clearly describe how the training relates to the student's degree.
- Provide Detailed Information: Be specific when describing the employer's role, the training objectives, and how the student's progress will be evaluated. Vague descriptions can lead to delays or issues.
- Collaboration is Key: Work closely with the employer to ensure that all sections of the form are accurate. Both the student and the employer must sign the form, confirming their agreement to the training plan.
- Keep Copies: Always retain a copy of the completed I-983 form. This is important for both the student and the employer to reference in the future, especially during reporting periods.
Similar forms
The ICE I-983 form, used primarily for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT), shares similarities with several other documents that serve various purposes in the realm of employment, training, and education. Below is a list of nine documents that are comparable to the I-983 form, along with explanations of their similarities:
- Form I-20: This document is issued by U.S. schools to international students. Like the I-983, it outlines the student's program of study and is essential for maintaining legal status in the U.S.
- Form I-765: This application for employment authorization is similar to the I-983 in that it is necessary for international students seeking to work in the U.S. Both forms require detailed information about the applicant's educational background and intended employment.
- Form I-94: The arrival/departure record is crucial for tracking an individual's status in the U.S. Like the I-983, it provides information about the individual's immigration status and duration of stay.
- Form DS-2019: Issued for J-1 visa holders, this document outlines the exchange visitor's program details. Similar to the I-983, it requires information about the program sponsor and the participant's role in the program.
- Job Offer Letter: This letter from an employer outlines the terms of employment. Like the I-983, it details the nature of the job, which is necessary for fulfilling OPT requirements.
- Durable Power of Attorney: This legal document empowers an individual to appoint someone else to make decisions on their behalf, even if they become incapacitated. Understanding the significance of this form is crucial for future planning and safeguarding one's interests. More details can be found at https://californiadocsonline.com/durable-power-of-attorney-form.
- Training Plan: Often required by employers, this document outlines the training objectives and methods. It shares the I-983's focus on the educational aspect of employment, ensuring that the training aligns with the student's field of study.
- Employer Attestation Letter: This letter confirms the employer's commitment to providing training and supervision. It is similar to the I-983 in that it emphasizes the employer's role in supporting the intern's educational goals.
- Performance Evaluation Form: Used to assess an intern's progress, this form parallels the I-983's requirement for monitoring and evaluating the training experience.
- Form I-9: This employment eligibility verification form is required for all employees. Like the I-983, it ensures that individuals are legally allowed to work in the U.S., emphasizing compliance with immigration laws.