The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently updated Form I-983 instructions to remove language requiring wet signatures. The Form I-983 is a training plan developed between the F-1 student and their STEM employer. It is submitted to ISS in the process of applying for the STEM OPT Extension I-20.
What kind of signatures are now accepted?
SEVP provided guidance that the following types of signatures are accepted:
- 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.
- Wet signatures. Students and employers may continue sign all signature fields on the Form I-983 by hand in ink.