STEM OPT Extension Mentoring and Training Plan

OMB Control No: 1653-0054	ICR Reference No: 201808-1653-004
Status: Active	Previous ICR Reference No: 201602-1653-001
Agency/Subagency: DHS/USICE	Agency Tracking No: I-983
Title: STEM OPT Extension Mentoring and Training Plan
Type of Information Collection: Extension without change of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR:  No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Approved without change	Conclusion Date: 07/03/2019
Retrieve Notice of Action (NOA)	Date Received in OIRA: 03/26/2019
Terms of Clearance: This collection is approved for two years only due to partial GPEA compliance.

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	07/31/2021	36 Months From Approved	07/31/2019
Responses	499,218	0	60,092
Time Burden (Hours)	1,843,779	0	566,698
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

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Abstract: DHS is implementing this information collection to better ensure that F-1 students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM degrees) wishing to extend their optional practical training (OPT) can do so in a manner that enhances the academic benefit of the STEM OPT extension. The employer who chooses to provide a STEM OPT opportunity to a student will, as a condition of voluntary participation in the program, work with the student to design a customized training plan. Such training plans will require specific goals for the training, as well as a description of how those goals will be achieved. The STEM OPT Extension Mentoring and Training Plan (Form I-983) will ensure that STEM OPT students receive a more comprehensive understanding of their selected course of study and attain better functionality within that field. The information collected on the Form I-983 serves as a planning document for STEM OPT students, the SEVP-certified school, and the employer. The STEM Mentoring and Training Plan also serves as an evidentiary document for SEVP, by tracking the STEM OPT student's progress, setting forth the terms and conditions of the practical training, and documenting the obligations of the three parties that are involved – the F-1 student, the SEVP-certified school, and the employer. .

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Authorizing Statute(s): PL: Pub.L. 107 - 296 116 Stat. 2135 Name of Law: The homeland Security Ace of 2002    PL: Pub.L. 104 - 208 Div. C Name of Law: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996    US Code: 6 USC 202 Name of Law: DOMESTIC SECURITY    PL: Pub.L. 107 - 56 October 26, 2001 Name of Law: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Req to Intercept & Obstruct Terrori    US Code: 8 USC 1101 Name of Law: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY    US Code: 8 USC 1103 Name of Law: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY    US Code: 8 USC 1324a Name of Law: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY    US Code: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(F)(i) Name of Law: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY    US Code: 8 USC 1184 Name of Law: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY    US Code: 8 USC 1372 Name of Law: ALIENS AND NATIONALITY    PL: Pub.L. 107 - 173 543 Name of Law: ENHANCED BORDER SECURITY AND VISA ENTRY REFORM ACT

Citations for New Statutory Requirements: None

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Associated Rulemaking Information
RIN:	Stage of Rulemaking:	Federal Register Citation:	Date:
	Not associated with rulemaking

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Federal Register Notices & Comments
60-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	83 FR 54934	11/01/2018
30-day Notice:	Federal Register Citation:	Citation Date:
	84 FR 8735	03/11/2019
Did the Agency receive public comments on this ICR? Yes

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Number of Information Collection (IC) in this ICR: 1

IC Title Form No. Form Name Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) I-983 STEM OPT EXTENSION MENTORING AND TRAINING PLAN

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ICR Summary of Burden

	Total Approved	Previously Approved	Change Due to New Statute	Change Due to Agency Discretion	Change Due to Adjustment in Estimate	Change Due to Potential Violation of the PRA
Annual Number of Responses	499,218	60,092	0	0	439,126	0
Annual Time Burden (Hours)	1,843,779	566,698	0	0	1,277,081	0
Annual Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0	0	0	0

Burden increases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Increase Due to:

Burden decreases because of Program Change due to Agency Discretion: No

Burden Reduction Due to:

Short Statement: SEVP saw an annual increase of 124,314 in each respondent group: students, DSOs, and employers during this reporting cycle. This reflects an unanticipated industry growth. The STEM OPT extension draws STEM students to attend school in the United States. SEVP predicts a one percent increase of STEM OPT applicants during the next three years. SEVP anticipates a reduction in DSO burden during the next three years as technical improvements, such as the new Portal, are more fully deployed.

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Annual Cost to Federal Government: $0

Does this IC contain surveys, censuses, or employ statistical methods? No

Does this ICR request any personally identifiable information (see OMB Circular No. A-130 for an explanation of this term)? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Does this ICR include a form that requires a Privacy Act Statement (see 5 U.S.C. §552a(e)(3))? Please consult with your agency's privacy program when making this determination.     Yes

Is this ICR related to the Affordable Care Act [Pub. L. 111-148 & 111-152]? No

Is this ICR related to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, [Pub. L. 111-203]? No

Is this ICR related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)? No

Is this ICR related to the Pandemic Response? Uncollected

Agency Contact: Scott Elmore 202 732-2601 [email protected]

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Common Form ICR:  No

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On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
		(a) It is necessary for the proper performance of agency functions;
		(b) It avoids unnecessary duplication;
		(c) It reduces burden on small entities;
		(d) It uses plain, coherent, and unambiguous language that is understandable to respondents;
		(e) Its implementation will be consistent and compatible with current reporting and recordkeeping practices;
		(f) It indicates the retention periods for recordkeeping requirements;
		(g) It informs respondents of the information called for under 5 CFR 1320.8 (b)(3) about:
			(i) Why the information is being collected;
			(ii) Use of information;
			(iii) Burden estimate;
			(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
			(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
			(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
		(h) It was developed by an office that has planned and allocated resources for the efficient and effective management and use of the information to be collected.
		(i) It uses effective and efficient statistical survey methodology (if applicable); and
		(j) It makes appropriate use of information technology.
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Certification Date: 03/26/2019

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