Overview of Form I-983
This guide provides the instructions for students who need to complete the form I-983 as part of their approval for a STEM OPT extension request. This form is completed jointly by the student and the employer, and sent to the Designated School Official (DSO) at the University of Tennessee for review and retention.
IMPORTANT NOTE: It is possible to apply for an extension based on a degree you earned at another school. For example, you earned a STEM bachelor’s degree at another school and completed a non-STEM masters at the University of Tennessee. If this is the case, you need to meet with your immigration advisor and make sure you understand the process. You can find your advisor using the guide at Getting Advising from International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). The process will be different from the instructions below.
Resources for the Form I-983
There are several external resources for the form I-983 available:
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Study in the States has a resource page with helpful information at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub .
Step One: Complete the Student Section of the Form I-983
The initial section of the form I-983 is completed by you (the student petitioner). Study in the States provides a detailed guide on the required sections at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/for-students/students-and-the-form-i-983 .
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After you have completed section 1, you must read section 2, sign, print your name, and date the attestation of compliance.
Step Two: The Employer Completes Sections 3 and 4
After you have completed Sections 1 and 2, give the form I-983 to your employer for the completion of sections 3 and 4. The person completing these sections must have signatory ability within the company. This is not always your supervisor. Employers can find additional help on completing their sections at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/for-employers/employers-and-the-form-i-983 .
Step Three: Complete the Training Plan with Your Employer
Section 5 contains the training plan necessary for your STEM OPT extension. This plan is developed by you and your employer. It is very important that you understand all parts of this plan. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can require proof of these goals and outcomes at any time. More information on the developing the training plan is available at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/for-employers/employers-and-the-form-i-983.
Step Four: Final Employer Certification of the Form I-983
The final step in the completion of the form I-983 is a final certification of accuracy in Section 6 by the employer. This must be completed by someone with signatory ability in the company. See https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/for-employers/employers-and-the-form-i-983 for more information.
Step Five: Submit the Form I-983 as Part of Your STEM Extension Request
Once the form has been completed, you can submit the form I-983 as part of your STEM OPT application in the iVols portal by logging with your Net ID and password. After logging in, you can find the “STEM OPT Extension Request” in the “F-1 Practical Training” section.
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