I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT: Complete Guide (2026)
The I-983 Training Plan is required for every STEM OPT extension. Here's a section-by-section guide to completing it correctly with your employer.
Quick Answer
The I-983 Training Plan is a required document for STEM OPT that outlines your training goals, employer's supervision plan, and how the position relates to your STEM degree. Both you and your employer must sign it, and it must be submitted to your DSO before starting STEM OPT employment.
What Is the I-983?
Form I-983, "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a formal agreement between you and your employer describing how your STEM OPT employment will provide practical training related to your degree. It must be completed before your DSO can recommend the STEM extension in SEVIS.
Source: ICE.gov STEM OPT Hub
I-983 Section-by-Section Guide
Section 1: Student Information
Completed by: You (Student)- Full legal name (as on passport)
- SEVIS ID (N + 10 digits)
- Email address and phone number
- Degree program and STEM CIP code
- Previous I-983 (if this is a modified plan)
Section 2: Student Certification
Completed by: You (Student)- Signature confirming you understand reporting requirements
- Date of signature
- Acknowledgment of 10-day change reporting obligation
Section 3: Employer Information
Completed by: Employer- Company legal name
- EIN (Employer Identification Number)
- E-Verify Company Identification Number (required!)
- Company website
- Number of full-time employees
- NAICS code
Section 4: Compensation & Training
Completed by: Employer- Your job title
- Start and end dates of STEM OPT
- Hours per week (must be 20+)
- Annual compensation (must be commensurate)
- How the position relates to your STEM degree
- Training objectives and goals
- How the employer will provide oversight and mentoring
Section 5: Employer Attestation
Completed by: Employer- Signature of supervisor or training officer
- Attestation that training plan is genuine
- Confirmation the company has sufficient resources
- Agreement to comply with STEM OPT regulations
Section 6: Both Signatures
Completed by: Both- Your signature + date
- Employer supervisor signature + date
- Both parties confirm accuracy of information
E-Verify Requirement for STEM OPT
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to qualify as a STEM OPT employer. This is non-negotiable — if your company isn't E-Verify enrolled, you cannot do STEM OPT there.
Common I-983 Mistakes to Avoid
Generic training description
Fix: Be specific about STEM skills. Instead of 'software development', write 'developing machine learning models using Python and TensorFlow for NLP tasks.'
Missing E-Verify ID
Fix: The E-Verify Company ID is required. Without it, your DSO cannot process the I-983. Get this from your employer's HR department.
Compensation not commensurate
Fix: Your salary must be comparable to similarly situated U.S. workers. If it's significantly below market, it raises red flags.
Unsigned sections
Fix: All 6 sections must be completed and signed. Missing signatures = automatic rejection by your DSO.
Not updating after job changes
Fix: If you change employers, get promoted, or your role changes significantly, you must submit a modified I-983 within 10 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the I-983 form?
Form I-983 is the Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. It's a formal agreement between you and your employer that describes how your employment provides practical training in your STEM field. It's required before your DSO can recommend the STEM OPT extension.
Does my employer need to be E-Verify enrolled?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is mandatory for STEM OPT employers. Your employer must provide their E-Verify Company ID Number on the I-983 form.
When do I need to update my I-983?
You must submit a modified I-983 within 10 days if there are material changes to your training plan, including: new employer, role change, address change, or significant changes to your duties.
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