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This is a special message from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This message provides useful information for the international student and academic communities.

New Update Allows for Electronic Signatures and Transmission of the Form I-983

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” to remove language requiring wet signatures. Students and employers may continue to physically sign the Form I-983 or input their own electronic signature. SEVP accepts electronic signatures in the following formats:

• Electronic signatures using software programs or applications. Students and employers may sign all signature fields on the Form I-983 using electronic signatures produced with software programs or applications.
• Electronically reproduced copies of a signature. Students and employers may sign all signature fields on the Form I-983 using digitally reproduced copies of a signature. A digitally reproduced copy may be a scanned image of a physical signature.
  • Additionally, students may send an electronic version of their completed or updated Form I-983 to their designated school official (DSO) via email or through a secure platform that students can access with individual account credentials. This may include a school portal or other secure site.

DSOs are encouraged to upload the Form I-983 when updating the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) with an event that requires a new or revised Form I-983, but this is optional. For instructions on uploading the Form I-983, see the F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension page in the SEVIS Help Hub.

Additional Resources

For more information about the Form I-983, visit these resources in the STEM OPT Hub on Study in the States:

• Form I-983 Overview
• Students and the Form I-983
• DSOs and the Form I-983

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