The following are employment options normally utilized by F-1 students:
F-1 Students in valid status are eligible to accept employment "on-campus" without prior approval from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service ("BCIS"). This employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. There are some restrictions to the definition of "on-campus." A temporary special relief program has been created for students whose financial support comes from the countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, or Thailand. Those who qualify may work for more than 20 hours either on or off campus. (Click here for more details.) Should there be any question as to eligiblity, the opinion of the Foreign Student Advisor should be sought prior to engaging in such employment.
To be eligible for off-campus employment based upon economic necessity, an F-1 student must be in good academic standing; must have completed one full academic year; and must be experiencing financial hardship due to unforseen circumstances beyond the control of the student. An application for such employment must be made to and approved by the BCIS. If USCIS does authorize employment, such employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the school term.
There are two types of Practical training: Curricular Practical Training ("CPT") and Optional Practical Training ("OPT"). The following basic procedures for "CPT" and "OPT" may vary according to each school's policy.
CURRICULAR PRACTICAL TRAINING ("CPT")
Curricular Practical Training is defined by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service ("BCIS") as employment which is an "integral part" of a student's course of study. This work experience may be required by the student's degree program, or may be elective if it is an important part of the program of study.
Part-time (20 hours or less per week) spring and fall trainees must be concurrently enrolled as a full-time student in order to maintain F-1 status. Summer trainees working full-time (21 to 40 hours per week) must be concurrently enrolled in at least one hour of independent study or similar course designation.
Cooperative Education (coop) must be offered by sponsored employers through a cooperative agreement with the student's department and be listed as "Cooperative Education" in the official university catalog. The student must have a plan of study approved by the department which includes a program of cooperative education.
(A total of 12 or more months of full-time curricular practical training will deprive the student of post-completion practical training OPT after the degree is earned.)
How To Apply
Take the following items to your International Student & Scholars ("ISS") or International Student Advisor's office:
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
______________ is a student in the department of _____________ at __________________ University. Practical experience in this field is an important part of this student's education, as it will enhance knowledge the student acquires in the classroom. For this reason, I recommend that s/he obtain curricular practical training from (date) to (date). I understand that the student must be concurrently enrolled in a course which relates to the practical experience.
The course s/he will be concurrently enrolled in is ______________. The course description and objectives are (defined in the catalog and/or are defined as follows.)
I understand that the student must be in lawful F-1 status, and must be in good academic standing. It is the student's responsibility to understand the rules and regulations associated with this benefit, and to comply with these rules.
Authorization For Curricular Practical Training
If a student proves eligible for this benefit, the ISS office should authorize curricular practical training on the student's I-20 I.D.
Students in F-1 Status may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) part-time during fall and spring semesters or full-time during summer vacation or after completion of their studies. OPT allows the student to be employed in his/her field of study for a total of 12 months during his/her stay in the U.S. OPT used prior to the completion of studies is subtracted from the 12-month total. Each period of OPT requested requires a recommendation from a designated school official (DSO) in the International Students and Scholars Office, a completed I-765, and a fee of $100.00 to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (BCIS).
F-1 Students are eligible to apply for OPT when they have been in F-1 status for nine consecutive months, and have otherwise maintained their F-1 status. The date for beginning post completion OPT is determined by the date when requirements for the degree program have been met. This is called the date of completion; it is not necessarily the date of graduation. Eligibility for OPT may be lost if grades have not been posted for incomplete courses or if the application is not submitted within 60 days after the completion date. The completion date for graduate students is the date the thesis/dissertaion is successfully defended. The completion date for undergraduate students is the last day of the semester in which they complete all course requirements.
Within 60 to 120 days before or 60 days after completion of studies, the following items should be presented to a Designated School Official ("DSO") in the ISS office (SAMPLE) student request for Optional Practical Training. Complete and have your academic advisor sign.
If you are elibile and have maintained F-1 status for 9 months, ISS will normally recommend OPT on page 4 of the I-20 and on the I-538. Copies of the I-20 should be made (exact original) after DSO endorsement.
Detailed instructions and required documentation are part of form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Follow directions carefully to avoid USCIS processing delays.
The dates on the EAD card will be the USCIS approved dates for your period of authorized employment. NO OTHER DATES WILL BE VALID. This portion explains the first step to filing for an EAD card. Changes, exceptions, and/or additions to the required documents and procedures could occur. Please direct specific questions to your ISS office.
For best results, organize documents as listed below. The DSO will normally determine if any other document(s) should be included and may change their order for mailing.
$100.00 fee Payable to "U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service" (BCIS). Either a personal check or money order is acceptable. NO CASH. (Application may be returned if your check has a different address from the address in Item 3 of Form I-765).
All of the above should be sent by regular or priority U.S. Postal Service mail (not certified, Federal Express, etc.). See second page of the I-765 instructions for the appropriate Service Center address.
Approval and issuance of the EAD card may take 60-90 days. OPT will begin the date the application is approved by USCIS or the date recommended by ISS, whichever is later. The EAD card will be mailed to you by BCIS. The EAD card is the picture ID that should be used to complete the I-9 form required by an employer.