Employees applying for F-1 STEM OPT or moving to a new employer after acquiring STEM OPT are required to complete Form I-983.

Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has made the process of completing the I-983 a little easier for employers and employees. Electronic signatures are now accepted. The new guidance is included below.

• 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.

For further guidance on how employers should complete the I-983 and prepare for potential audits, please see our complete guidance, located here.