The ICE I-983 form serves a critical function for international students in the United States pursuing practical training opportunities. It is a document required by the Department of Homeland Security to ensure that the work experience gained is directly related to their area of study. This form plays a pivotal role in the STEM OPT extension process, bridging education and professional development.
In the journey of pursuing higher education and professional development, international students in the United States on an F-1 visa often seek opportunities to gain practical experience in their field of study. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) I-983 form plays a pivotal role in this process, serving as the official document that outlines the terms and conditions of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This crucial paperwork is not just a formality; it is a comprehensive plan that delineates the objectives of the student's practical training experience, the direct supervision by the employer, and how the experience ties into the student's academic curriculum. By submitting this form, both the student and the employer commit to adhering to the guidelines set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), ensuring the training experience is educational and beneficial to the student's career. The I-983 form is, therefore, essential not only for compliance with U.S. immigration laws but also as a tool for professional development, mandating a clear, educational benefit and practical application of the student's acquired knowledge.
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
Completing the ICE I-983 form is a critical step for students participating in the STEM OPT extension, ensuring their work experience is directly related to their field of study and meets regulatory requirements. It's a collaborative effort between the student, their employer, and an endorsing official from the student's academic institution. This guide simplifies the completion process into manageable steps, aiming to make it straightforward and less daunting.
Upon submission and approval of the ICE I-983 form, students can look forward to an enriching work experience that not only complements their academic learning but also prepares them for future career opportunities in their respective STEM fields.
What is the ICE I-983 form?
The ICE I-983 form, formally known as the "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a document required by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It serves to outline a clear training plan for students on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions. The form is crucial for both the employer and the student, ensuring that the practical training experience is directly related to the student's major area of study and contributes to their educational objectives.
Who needs to complete the I-983 form?
Both the employer and the STEM OPT student are required to complete the I-983 form. The student initiates the process by providing their portion of the information, which includes personal details, qualifications, and details about the STEM degree. The employer is responsible for completing the sections of the form that detail the training plan, including specific learning objectives, means of oversight and evaluation, and the terms and conditions of the employment.
When should the I-983 form be submitted?
The I-983 form must be submitted when applying for the initial 24-month STEM OPT extension and whenever there is a material change to the original training plan. Additionally, students are required to submit an updated form annually, during the annual self-evaluation period. It's crucial for students to coordinate with their designated school official (DSO) to ensure the form is submitted in a timely manner to maintain compliance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regulations.
What happens if there is a change of employment?
If there's a change of employment, the student must complete a new I-983 form with the new employer and submit the updated form to their DSO within 10 days of the employment change. This new form should reflect the new employer's information and the new training plan. It's essential to keep the DSO informed of any modifications to ensure the student's STEM OPT status remains valid.
How is the I-983 form reviewed and processed?
After submission, the I-983 form is reviewed by the student's DSO. The DSO ensures that the form is accurately completed and that the training plan aligns with the student's STEM OPT extension requirements. Once reviewed, the DSO updates the student's SEVIS record to reflect the STEM OPT recommendation. It is then the student’s responsibility to apply for the STEM OPT extension with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), using the information provided in the form as part of their application package.
Are there any common mistakes to avoid when completing the I-983 form?
Yes, there are several common mistakes to avoid:
Ensuring that the form is complete, accurate, and submitted in a timely manner is essential for maintaining compliance with ICE regulations and successfully obtaining or extending a STEM OPT.
Filling out the ICE I-983 form, a critical document for those participating in STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics students), often proves to be a daunting task, with many pitfalls awaiting the unwary. A key mistake many make is not providing a detailed training plan. The form requires not just any description, but a clear and specific outline of how the training will enhance the student's learning experience. This oversight can result in a denial of the STEM OPT extension.
Another common blunder occurs when individuals inaccurately report their employer's information. The form asks for precise details about the employer, including the Employer Identification Number (EIN). This information must match the records the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has on file. An innocent mistake here can lead to unnecessary delays or even the impression of fraudulent activity.
Often, signatories overlook the necessity of including a thorough explanation of the evaluation mechanism for the training. The I-983 form is designed to ensure that the practical training experience is genuinely beneficial and includes measures for assessing progress. Neglecting to articulate these measures clearly can suggest a lack of a substantive training program.
Another error involves misunderstanding the section regarding remuneration. Whether paid or unpaid, the form must accurately reflect the compensation structure of the training opportunity. Failing to disclose or inaccurately reporting compensation can be viewed as an attempt to deceive federal authorities, carrying severe consequences.
Signature errors also top the list of common mistakes. All required parties must sign the form, including the student, the employer, and sometimes the designated school official (DSO). Missing signatures can cause the form to be returned, delaying the application process significantly.
Finally, many forget to update the form when significant changes occur. Changes in employment, training programs, or even employer address must be reflected on an updated I-983 form and resubmitted. Failure to maintain current information can lead to the termination of the STEM OPT status and impact future immigration benefits.
Awareness and attention to these common mistakes can significantly smooth the path through the I-983 form submission process, ensuring that students can fully benefit from their STEM OPT opportunities without administrative hiccups.
When it comes to navigating the complexities of immigration and employment authorization in the United States, the ICE Form I-983 is crucial for students under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This form is not the only document that plays a significant role in this process, though. Several other forms and documents often accompany the ICE Form I-983, each serving a unique purpose in ensuring compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's regulations. Here's a closer look at some of these essential documents.
In conclusion, the ICE Form I-983 plays a pivotal role within a broader suite of documents essential for compliance and approval in the OPT and STEM OPT extension processes. Each of these documents contributes to a dossier that demonstrates the student's eligibility and readiness to participate in practical training in their field of study in the United States. Understanding the purpose and requirements of each form is crucial for navigating the process efficiently and successfully.
Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification: Both the ICE I-983 and Form I-9 are used by employers to verify an employee's identity and to establish that the worker is eligible to accept employment in the United States. The I-983 specifically pertains to students under the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, while the I-9 is required for all employees.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization: Similar to the I-983, the I-765 form is another document used by individuals to obtain authorization to work in the U.S. While the I-983 is specific to students seeking STEM OPT extensions, the I-765 must be completed by anyone applying for different types of employment authorization, including but not limited to, OPT, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and certain types of visas.
DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status: The DS-2019 is required for prospective J-1 exchange visitors. It is similar to the I-983 in that both forms are essential for non-U.S. citizens who wish to pursue practical training or educational exchange opportunities in the United States. The I-983 focuses on practical training for STEM students, whereas the DS-2019 applies more broadly to cultural exchange visitors.
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status: The Form I-20 is used by prospective F-1 and M-1 students. It bears similarity to the I-983 as it is integral to the process of studying in the U.S. and obtaining practical training authorization. However, where the I-20 is mandatory for all F-1 and M-1 visa holders, the I-983 is specifically designed for those F-1 students in STEM fields seeking the 24-month OPT extension.
When filling out the ICE I-983 form, it's important to be meticulous and accurate to ensure compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security requirements. Below are key dos and don'ts to help guide you through the process.
The I-983 form, integral to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, often comes with misconceptions. Understanding the true requirements and purposes of the I-983 form can help clarify its role in the OPT process. Here are nine misconceptions clarified for better understanding:
Understanding these aspects of the I-983 form is crucial for both students and their employers to ensure compliance with the regulations of the STEM OPT extension. By clarifying these common misconceptions, students and employers can work together more effectively towards a successful and legal training experience in the United States.
Filling out and using the ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) I-983 form is crucial for students on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions. This document requires careful attention to details to ensure compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Here are nine key takeaways to guide you through this process:
By paying close attention to these key aspects, students and their employers can navigate the I-983 form more effectively, ensuring a smoother process for extending STEM OPT and maintaining compliance with U.S. immigration policies.
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