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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.