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Due to recently announced federal immigration rule changes affecting international students and visiting scholars in the United States, immigration information on this website is subject to change. The new rule takes effect on September 15, 2026. Ohio State is reviewing the changes and will update this website as additional information becomes available.

STEM-Endorsed I-20

Materials needed for a STEM-endorsed I-20

  • Submit a completed c3C, Form I-983 and a copy of your EAD by emailing all materials to iss@osu.edu
  • You must fill out a Form I-983 with your employer. If the I-983 does not meet government requirements, you will be required to submit a revised copy.
  • Once all requirements have been met, you will receive a STEM OPT-endorsed I-20, along with applicable instructions for submitting your application to USCIS

Processing a STEM-endorsed I-20

  • We cannot issue a STEM OPT I-20 until the I-983 meets all requirements
  • Processing delays are mostly caused by the need for revisions on the form I-983
  • The instructions included on the I-983 do not give students and their employers all the information required need to properly complete the form I-983
  • The Office of International Affairs is required to keep a copy of your I-983 on file should USCIS, ICE or SEVP ever request to view it. You should submit it in a format that would be appropriate to share with a government agency. Issues with document formatting, legibility and text that does not fit in the fields of the form will require that you submit a revised I-983.
  • This guide contains all the information needed to construct a successful I-983