On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule eliminating Duration of Status for certain nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors. The rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. Please visit our Duration of Status Rule Change webpage for additional information and updates.
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Form I-983: Key Reminders
Form I-983 is very important for students on STEM OPT. Here are a few reminders to make sure your I-983 is filled out correctly, and updated when needed!
Check Your I-983 Occasionally with your Supervisor:
The I-983 is a training plan you and your employer agree to together. It’s always a good idea to review the content of the I-983 with your supervisor every now and again. If something substantial has changed, make sure you take the right steps to make the adjustment!
I-983 for Employment Updates:
Remember to upload a new I-983 to our office via our STEM OPT Reporting Update eForm when changes occur! Key reasons to update include:
- Change in employer name and/or EIN
- Change in employer address and/or your working location
- Reduction in hours
- Reduction in compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours
- Change in job responsibilities
A Change in Supervisor or Title
If your supervisor changes, or your own job title changes, a new I-983 may or may not be needed! If the change to either your supervisor or your own title will not result in a change to your job responsibilities or training plan, a new I-983 is not needed. If this update will result in your responsibilities/the training plan changing, you’ll need to submit a new I-983. This a great time to review your I-983 with your current supervisor to see if changes are needed!
The Self Evaluation and the Final Evaluation
Even if no changes have been made, page 5 of the I-983 is always needed for the 12 month STEM Reporting, as well as the 24 month STEM Reporting. For the 12 month yearly reporting, the Self-Evaluation on the top of page 5 is required. For the 24 month reporting, an end to any position on STEM OPT, or a Change of Status (to H1b, for example), the Final Evaluation on the bottom half of page 5 is required.