I-983 STEM Training Plan

The primary sources for STEM guidance are available here:

• StudyintheStates.gov
• Form I-983 Overview
• Form I-983 Fillable

Information on this page is designed to assist you complete and maintain Form I-983 throughout your period of authorized employment under STEM OPT (known simply as STEM). Maintaining lawful F-1 status is your responsibility. ISP is available to assist you in understanding your responsibilities if you have any questions.

Below are important tips regarding preparation and maintenance of Form I-983.

Section 1: STUDENT INFORMATION

Based on Prior Degree? Check No if the employment is related to the Caltech degree program you attended.

STEM OPT Requested Period (mm-dd-yyyy): List the full 24-Month period. Enter the start date as the day after your current EAD expires. Then, enter the end date as 24 months later. For example, if your current 12-Month OPT ends on June 19, 2019, you will enter the STEM OPT Requested Period as: "06/20/2019 To: 06/19/2021."

Section 3: EMPLOYER INFORMATION

Consult with your employer to complete this section.

Section 5: EMPLOYER SITE INFORMATION

Enter the name, phone number, and email address of your direct supervisor. This information is required in SEVIS. We cannot issue an I-20 without it.

Evaluation on Student Progress

(12-Month Reporting)
Initial applicants can leave this section blank, but STEM participants must complete this evaluation (signed by you and your direct supervisor) at the end of the first 12 months of work on STEM. We do not require an entirely new I-983 if only the Evaluation Page is needed.

Final Evaluation on Student Progress

(24-Month Reporting / End-of-Job Reporting / End-of-Status Reporting)
Initial applicants can leave this section blank for now, but all STEM participants must complete the final evaluation (signed by you and your direct supervisor)...

• at the completion of your EAD, or
• upon completion of work for the current employer, or
• upon completion of F-1 status (if you obtain H1B status, a green card, or other)

STEM participants must pay very careful attention to I-983 Reporting Requirements. Adhering to reporting deadlines is a critical part of maintaining F-1 status to avoid unlawful presence.

STEM participants are required to maintain and submit an updated Form I-983 for each STEM employment. A new Form I-983 must be submitted to ISP if there is any material change to a previously-submitted I-983.