Signatures:
- You and your employer (supervisor/PI, HR, or immigration representative, etc.) must sign one of three ways. You may use different methods as long as it is one of the options below. Signatures should not be typed.
- with a real pen
- an Electronic Signature
- a Digital Signature
Section 1:
- Designated School Official: Find your ISSS advisor by clicking here.
- School Code: Can be found on your I-20 under the School Information Section
- Qualifying Major and Classification of CIP Code: include both the major name (i.e., Business Analytics) and the CIP code found on your I-20 under the “Program of Study” section.
- Date Awarded: match your transcript: see below in Step #4 if you have not graduated yet.
- Based on prior degree: select "No” if you are using your most recently completed UMass degree to apply for STEM OPT. Contact your ISSS Advisor if you are using a prior degree to apply for STEM OPT (this is rare).
- Employment Authorization Number: this is the USCIS number on your EAD (xxx-xxx-xxx)
Section 2: must be signed by you
Section 3: none of these items can be blank—ask your employer if you do not know
- Employer ID Number (EIN): can be found on your W-2 or by asking your employer. The EIN is not the same as the e-verify number.
- NAICS code: to be determined by you and your employer
- Start date of employment: must be your start date of your employment on STEM OPT. This is the number one error for the I-983. If the start date is incorrect, ISSS will reset your STEM OPT request, delaying your STEM OPT I-20.
Section 4: must be signed by an authorized official at your employer
Section 5: list company address/company address you work at
Section 6: must be signed by an authorized official at your employer
Page 5: does not need to be completed when applying for STEM OPT. Use the STEM OPT calculator to determine when they are required. See STEM OPT Reporting Requirements for more information.