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Completing the I-983 for STEM OPT for Students.

Completing the I-983 for STEM OPT for Students.

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:

The form I-983 is available form download at https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf.

Study in the States has a resource page with helpful information at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub . Instructions on how to fill out the I-983 may be found here: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983Instructions.pdf

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 .