Free ICE I-983 PDF Form

What is the ICE I-983 form?

The ICE I-983 form, also known as the "Training Plan for STEM OPT Students," is a document required by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for students who are applying for a 24-month extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) under the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category. This form is designed to ensure that the STEM OPT experience is educational, and it outlines the training plan, including goals and objectives, methods of oversight, and measures of evaluation.

Who needs to complete the ICE I-983 form?

Both the STEM OPT student and their employer must complete the ICE I-983 form. The student starts the process by filling out their portion of the form and then passes it to their employer to complete the employer sections. It's important for both parties to collaborate on this document, as it requires detailed information about the training program that the student will be undertaking during their STEM OPT period.

When should the ICE I-983 form be submitted?

The ICE I-983 form must be submitted to the student's designated school official (DSO) before the student can apply for the STEM OPT extension with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The form should be provided to the DSO at least 10 days before the current OPT expires to avoid any lapses in employment authorization.

What happens if there are changes to the training plan?

If there are any material changes to the original training plan, such as changes in the employer’s EIN, a reduction in compensation not tied to a reduction in hours worked, or significant changes in the employer’s commitments or the student’s learning objectives, the student and employer must complete a new ICE I-983 form reflecting these changes and submit it to the DSO within 10 days of the change.

Can multiple employers fill out the ICE I-983 form for one student?

Yes, if a STEM OPT student is employed by more than one employer, each employer must fill out and sign a separate ICE I-983 form. Each training opportunity must meet the program's requirements, including being directly related to the student’s qualifying STEM degree.

Is the ICE I-983 form required for unpaid internships?

Yes, the ICE I-983 form is required for both paid and unpaid internships, as long as the position meets the requirements for STEM OPT and the student gains practical training through their work. However, all OPT employment, including STEM OPT, must comply with labor laws and regulations, which ordinarily do not permit unpaid internships in certain circumstances.

What are the consequences of failing to properly complete the ICE I-983 form?

Failing to properly complete or timely submit the ICE I-983 form can lead to the denial of the STEM OPT extension application, the revocation of current OPT, or other impacts on the student’s immigration status. It is critical for both students and employers to accurately complete the form and comply with all reporting requirements.

Where can I find the ICE I-983 form?

You can find the ICE I-983 form on the official website of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or through your school’s designated school official (DSO). It's important to ensure you're using the most current version of the form.

How do I submit the completed ICE I-983 form?

The completed ICE I-983 form should not be sent directly to ICE or USCIS. Instead, the student must submit it to their designated school official (DSO), who will review the form for completeness and accuracy before the student applies for the STEM OPT extension with USCIS. The DSO will then keep the form on file.

Are there any sections of the ICE I-983 form that are especially important to pay attention to?

While every section of the ICE I-983 form is important, special attention should be paid to the training plan section, where the employer must describe how the training is directly related to the student's qualifying STEM degree and the specific goals and objectives of the training. Misrepresentation or inaccuracies in this section can result in significant delays or the denial of the STEM OPT extension.

When completing the ICE I-983 form, designed for STEM OPT students and employers to articulate formal training plans, individuals often encounter various pitfalls. Attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the requirements can significantly streamline the approval process. Below are seven common mistakes people frequently make when filling out this form:

1. Failing to fully complete every required section. Each part of the form serves a specific purpose and provides critical information. Leaving sections blank may lead to delays or denials.

2. Providing inaccurate employer information. The employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number), name, and address must be correct and match official documents.

3. Misunderstanding the training plan's objectives. The form requires a detailed description of the training program, including specific goals, a timeline, and methods of oversight and assessment. Vague or generic descriptions are insufficient.

4. Incorrect dates. Dates must be accurate and reflect the actual training period. Incorrect or unrealistic start and end dates can cause unnecessary complications.

5. Not obtaining the necessary signatures. The form requires signatures from both the student and the employer's official representative. Missing signatures can invalidate the entire submission.

6. Mismatching details with the student's Form I-20. Any information regarding the student's employment and training opportunity must align with what is recorded on Form I-20.

7. Overlooking the evaluation sections. Initial and final evaluations by the student's employer are critical components of the training plan. These sections must be completed accurately and timely as part of the STEM OPT extension requirements.

Properly completing the ICE I-983 form requires attention to detail and an understanding of the form's requirements. By avoiding these common mistakes, students and employers can facilitate a smoother process for obtaining or extending a STEM OPT authorization.

Completing the ICE Form I-983 is a crucial step for employers and students involved in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. However, it is often just one piece of a larger puzzle. Several other forms and documents frequently accompany the I-983 to ensure compliance with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requirements. These additional forms and documents, each with its own purpose and requirements, play vital roles in maintaining legal status and facilitating the OPT extension process.

• Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization. This form is used by students seeking to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to legally work in the U.S. under the OPT program.
• Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Updated by the Designated School Official (DSO), this form endorses the student's participation in the OPT and STEM OPT extension and verifies the student’s academic status and eligibility.
• Passport: A valid passport is needed to prove the student's identity and nationality. It must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in the United States.
• Visa: A valid F-1 visa allows a student to enter and remain in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program plus any authorized training period.
• Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Required for first-time F-1 visa applicants or those renewing their visas, detailing personal information and the purpose of travel.
• Form I-94: Arrival/Departure Record. This document tracks the student's arrivals and departures from the U.S. It is often retrieved electronically and provides evidence of the student's legal entry into the country.
• Proof of Financial Resources: Documents demonstrating the student's ability to financially support themselves during their stay in the U.S., which may include bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters.
• Employment Offer Letter: A letter from the employer offering the student a position under the OPT program. It should include details such as the job title, duties, salary, and the start and end dates of employment.

Together, these documents create a comprehensive package that illustrates a student's eligibility and readiness for the OPT and STEM OPT extension programs. It's essential for both students and employers to gather, complete, and submit these forms accurately and timely to adhere to immigration laws and maintain the student's legal status in the U.S. Understanding each document’s purpose and requirements facilitates a smoother process for gaining employment authorization and contributes to the overall success of the student's academic and professional endeavors in the United States.

• The Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, shares similarities with the ICE I-983 form in its fundamental purpose of verifying eligibility. Where the I-9 ensures that individuals are authorized to work in the United States, the I-983 form focuses on ensuring that students under the STEM OPT extension are engaged in practical training that directly relates to their area of study and supports their educational experiences.

• Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, similarly requires detailed personal information and background as part of the visa application process. Both documents are integral in assessing the eligibility and intent of individuals looking to enter or remain in the U.S. under specific conditions, with the I-983 specifically focusing on educational and practical training components.

• Like the I-983 form, the Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, calls for thorough information about an employer or sponsor and the nature of the employment or training. The focus on details about the offered position, including duties and qualifications, mirrors the I-983’s emphasis on the practical training plan, objectives, and the beneficiary's progress.

• The H-1B Visa Application shares an emphasis on educational and occupational qualifications relevant to the requested visa category, much like the I-983 form underscores the alignment of a student’s STEM OPT extension activities with their field of study. Each document plays a critical role in establishing the qualifications and eligibility of applicants for their respective programs, requiring detailed submissions regarding one's background, education, and proposed activities in the United States.

Filling out the ICE I-983 form is a step-by-step process that requires careful attention to detail. To ensure that this document is completed accurately and effectively, it is critical to follow specific guidelines. Below are the dos and don'ts that individuals should keep in mind while working on the ICE I-983 form.

Do:

1. Ensure all sections of the form are completed in a clear and legible manner. This will prevent any misunderstandings or delays in the processing of the form.
2. Provide accurate and up-to-date information about the training plan, including the goals and how the program will enhance the student’s career.
3. Discuss the form with your employer or program sponsor to verify that all the information is correct and reflects the actual training program.
4. Double-check the Employer Identification Number (EIN) and the address of the employer, as these are critical for the identification and communication process.
5. Sign and date the form in the designated areas to confirm the authenticity and agreement with the provided information.
6. Keep a copy of the completed form for personal records. This will be helpful for future reference or in case of any discrepancies.
7. Seek assistance if there are any sections of the form that are unclear. It’s better to ask for help than to submit incorrect information.

Don't:

• Leave any sections blank. If a section does not apply, it’s recommended to mark it as “N/A” (Not Applicable) rather than leaving it empty.
• Guess on details or provide false information. Accuracy is essential to avoid issues with legal status or program eligibility.
• Forget to update the form if any changes occur during the training period. It’s important to keep all provided information current.
• Use abbreviations or acronyms that are not widely recognized. Spell out names and terms to ensure clarity.
• Submit the form without reviewing it for errors. A simple oversight could lead to unnecessary complications.
• Overlook the requirement for the employer or program sponsor’s signatures. Their endorsement is crucial for the validity of the form.
• Delay the submission of the form beyond the deadline. Timeliness is key to maintaining compliance with program requirements.

• It's only for the student's benefit: While it appears to be for the student, the ICE I-983 form plays a crucial role in ensuring that both the employer and the educational institution meet the requirements of the STEM OPT extension. This mutual responsibility helps maintain the integrity of this program.

• It's a one-time form: Many think that once the ICE I-983 form is submitted, it's done. In fact, updates are necessary if any significant changes occur, such as a change in employment, duties, or termination of the training experience.

• Employers have no obligations: On the contrary, employers signing the I-983 form agree to several key commitments. These include providing a formal training plan, adhering to labor laws, and directly supervising the student.

• It's overly complicated: The form does require detailed information, but it's designed to ensure that the training experience is relevant and beneficial to the student's career development in their STEM field. The detailed instructions provided help both parties fill it out correctly.

• Any employer can sign it: Not all employers are eligible. They must be enrolled in the E-Verify program and agree to the terms outlined in the I-983 form, including the training plan's requirements.

• No follow-up is required: Students and employers must complete an annual self-evaluation, which is part of the form. This process ensures ongoing compliance with the program's objectives and allows for reflection on the student's progress.

• The form guarantees employment: Completing and submitting the ICE I-983 does not guarantee that the student will remain employed for the duration of the STEM OPT. Employment is subject to the employer’s discretion and performance criteria.

• Submitting late has no consequences: Timely submission is critical. Failure to submit the form within the required timeframe can result in the loss of STEM OPT status for the student, affecting their ability to work legally in the U.S.

• Only STEM field employers are eligible: While the employer must provide a training program related to the student's STEM degree, they don't necessarily need to be a STEM-focused company themselves. The key requirement is that the training offered matches the student's field of study.

• Personal information is at risk: Privacy concerns are understandable, but the information requested on the form is necessary for verifying the legitimacy of the training program and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws. Both the school and the employer are expected to handle the information responsibly.

When filling out and using the ICE I-983 form, which is crucial for STEM OPT students and their employers, it's important to keep several key points in mind to ensure compliance and accuracy. Here's what you need to know:

• Complete Accuracy is Crucial: Every piece of information provided on the I-983 form must be accurate and truthful. Any inaccuracies, no matter how minor they may seem, can lead to delays or complications in the approval process.
• Details of the Training Program: The form requires a detailed description of the training program, including how it relates to the student’s STEM degree. Employers must clearly outline the goals and objectives of the program, ensuring they align with the educational background of the student.
• Employer and Employee Responsibilities: Both parties must fully understand their responsibilities. Employers are responsible for helping with the creation of the training plan and providing a detailed explanation of the direct supervision methods they will use.
• Signatures Are Mandatory: The I-983 form must be signed by both the student and the employer. These signatures are an attestation to the truthfulness and accuracy of the information provided and the commitment to adhere to the program requirements.
• Changes Require Updates: Any significant changes to the training program, such as changes in employment or reductions in compensation, must be reported and could require a new I-983 form to be submitted. It's important to keep the document up-to-date to reflect the current agreement between the student and the employer.
• Annual Evaluations: The form mandates that annual evaluations be conducted to assess the student’s progress within the training program. Both the student and employer are responsible for completing these evaluations, which are critical for maintaining the student’s status.
• Maintain Records: All parties should keep copies of the signed I-983 form and any documentation related to the student’s training experience. These documents may be requested by the government at any time to verify compliance with the program’s requirements.

Properly understanding and utilizing the I-983 form is essential for the success of the STEM OPT extension. Both students and employers benefit from carefully completing the form to ensure a fruitful and regulatory-compliant training experience.