Form I-983 must be filled in completely and correctly. If any box or section is left blank or incorrect, the Office of Global Services will not be able to process your request and will ask that you resubmit the form with the necessary updates. This can delay the processing time of your request.
Whenever possible, the responses on Form I-983 should be typed. If you are unable to do so, you may handwrite your responses. However, all handwriting must be legible. If we are unable to read your handwriting, OGS will ask you to resubmit the form either typed or with legible handwriting. This can delay the processing time of your request.
If you need any assistance when completing Form I-983, please refer to these official instructions provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security:
Please see below for additional tips on how to fill out Form I-983:
Section 1: Student Information
SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT)
The SEVIS school code can be found in the school Information section on page one of the new format I-20. The school code is specific to the campus on which you have studied. Please see codes for each campus below:
- Mies (Main) Campus: CHI214F00379000
- Conviser Law Center: CHI214F00379003
- Institute of Design: CHI214F00379002
Designated School Official (DSO) Name and Contact Information
Please use the OGS member listed on your most recently issued I-20 (Page 1 - School Information section).
STEM OPT Requested Period
If you are applying for the 24-month extension, your requested period will begin immediately after your initial Optional Practical Training (OPT) period expires, and will end exactly 24 months later.
- Example: Your initial OPT expires on May 31, 2016. Your STEM OPT requested period will be from June 1, 2016–May 31, 2018.
Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code
The Qualifying Major and CIP Code can be found in the program of study section on page one of the new format I-20 (or listed as the primary major on the top of page three of the old format I-20).
Based on Prior Degree?
If you are currently on Optional Practical Training (OPT) using a STEM-eligible degree, you should select no.
If you are currently on OPT using a non-STEM-eligible degree, and you are applying using a prior degree that is STEM-eligible, you should select yes.
Employment Authorization Number
The Employment Authorization Number is equivalent to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) # as it appears on the front of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
Section 3: Employer Information
North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code
If your employer or human resources department is unable to provide you with this code, please refer to the full listing of NAICS codes as provided by the United States Census Bureau.
Start Date of Employment
This date is the start date of STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) training with the employer, which may differ from the actual start date with the employer. This date should match the start date listed under STEM OPT Requested Period in section one.
Section 5: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
Site Name
This is the employer’s site name, which may be the same as the employer name in section three. If you are working at a branch or subsidiary of a large company, or anywhere other than the headquarters, provide the name of the work site. This is a physical location, not a website.
Name of Official
The official in your employer’s organization listed here will also be listed as your supervisor in your SEVIS record.
Evaluations on Student Progress
Please do not complete these pages. The Evaluation on Student Progress and Final Evaluation on Student Progress (pages six—seven of Form I-983) should not be completed at this time. These evaluations should be submitted after 12 and 24 months, respectively, of your STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) period.
Signatures
Student and employer official signatures are required in sections two, four, and six, as well as the Evaluations of Student Progress. Handwritten "ink" signatures or official electronic signatures will be accepted.
If you need any assistance when completing Form I-983, please refer to these official instructions provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security: