1) On-Campus Employment:
On campus employment may begin no sooner than 30 days prior to the start of classes for students admitted for initial entry to begin a new program. Employment must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session; however, a student may work full time when school is not in session or during the annual vacation.
A student may not work on campus during the 60-day grace period following completion of a course of study, except in the following situations: employment authorized for OPT; employment between academic levels at the same school; employment between programs when transferring school; and concurrently-enrolled students.
2) Off-Campus Employment:
There are categories of off-campus employment authorization available after a student has been enrolled full-time for one academic year (nine months or two semesters). Students cannot begin employment until they receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Off-campus authorization employment authorization is terminated when the student transfers from one school to another, or when the need for employment ceases, although it is not terminated if the student continues studies in a new educational program at the same institution.
a) Severe Economic Hardship
F-1 students are eligible for off-campus employment if unforeseen severe circumstances beyond the student’s control occur. An unforeseen severe circumstance is defined as any situation that seriously alters a student’s financial condition.
Examples of unforeseen economic hardship include:
loss of financial aid or on-campus employment without fault on the part of the student,
substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate,
inordinate increases in tuition and/or living expenses,
unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student’s source of support,
medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
If approved, the USCIS will issue a work card valid for one year. This card may be renewed provided the students remains in good academic standing and maintain his or her immigration status. The student must also prove continued economic need.
b) Curricular Practical Training
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to students after they have been in F-1 status for a full academic year. The objective of CPT is to give the student the opportunity to gain practical experience in his or her field. CPT is defined as work which is an integral part of the curriculum, including internships, practicum, Cooperative Education employment or work experiences that are required by the curriculum. CPT should be viewed as a class, not work. CPT is for credit adding towards the completion of the student’s academic program. Work/training must not only be related to the student’s major field of study, but also be an integral part of the student’s degree program. This employment opportunity is limited to twelve months of authorization for full-time employment. CPT can be authorized for only one semester at a time. Beware that the use of full-time CPT for one year or more eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT. For further information, contact the International Student Advisor.
c) Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed to provide F-1 students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in his or her field of studies. OPT is limited to 12 months of employment. A student is eligible to apply for OPT only after completing one full academic year and after completing any given educational level, such as after obtaining an Associate Degree, and again after a Bachelor’s Degree. OPT can be authorized at the following times: during the student’s annual vacation; while school is in session (maximum of 20 hours per week); or after completion of course of study. Remember, however, that there are only 12 total months available at any educational level, and that training/work done before a degree is completed will count against that 12-month total and reduce time available after the degree is awarded. A student wishing to apply for OPT needs to do so 120 days before completion of the program of study. The Employment Authorization document (EAD) is normally received within 120 days after the application is submitted. Therefore, students are strongly advised to apply for OPT as early as 120 days prior to the date they wish to begin studying. Students may not begin employment until they receive the employment authorization card.
It is the opinion of both United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the United States Department of State that F-1 students on optional practical training should be actively seeking employment in order to maintain status. Although this interpretation does not form part of the regulations, it is implied by the nature of OPT itself. Thus all students should keep careful records of having sought employment while on OPT should they wish to later extend their student status or change to another nonimmigrant status. Registration for job seeking can easily be done at websites like monster.com and proof of registration printed out. Also it is wise for students to keep copies of letters they have sent to employers during OPT.
For additional information regarding OPT, please contact the International Student Advisor.
