Employment

        International students are allowed to work on-campus and do not require the USCIS authorization. They may NOT work more than 20 hours a week while school is in session (full-time employment is permitted during vacation periods) and must pay income tax on money earned from ANY employment. Before the start of any employment, you MUST see the International Student Advisor prior to working.

Please note:
1. If any student in F-1 status works over 20 hours per week, this violates his/her status and may result in severe penalties.
2. Individuals in F-2 status are NOT eligible to work.

        If you wish to work off-campus, you must have authorization from the International Student Advisor. F-1 students are eligible for off-campus employment if they are in good academic standing, have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year, and are in valid status. Students may work 20 hours or less per week while school is in session, and full-time between semesters. On-campus employment is included in the 20-hour total.
PLEASE NOTE: OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT IS POSSIBLE ONLY WITH USCIS AUTHORIZATION, AND THIS PROCESS CAN TAKE THREE TO THREE MONTHS.

1. Employment authorization based on severe economic hardship (SEH) : Student may apple for authorization to work if the employment is necessitated by an unforeseen change in their economic circumstances. This benefit is available to students who can document severe economic hardship arising subsequent to entry to the United States. Authorization is given by the USCIS and requires the issuance of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Off-campus employment cannot be granted during the first year, since guarantee of adequate funds to cover educational expenses is a requirement for securing a student visa and maintaining student status.
   
   
2. Practical Training : F-1 Students are permitted to engage in practical training, (full-time or part-time work off campus) if the work is related to the field of study and is commensurate with the level of study. There are two types of pratical training :
   
        Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This refers to employment which is part of your academic curriculum; that is, work experience (such as an internship) which is part of a course offered in the course catalog to all students in a particular degree program, and for which academic credit is given. The instructor must provide written certification indicating the course number, content, etc. for the course that includes the work experience (Certification forms can be obtained at OISS). Because the International Student Advisor gives authorization, an EAD is not required.
   
   Students who receive one year or more of full-time CPT Training are ineligible for Optional Practical Training following completion of studies.
   
   If you wish to pursue CPT, please print and follow these instructions.
   
       Optional Practical Training (OPT):This refers to employment that is related to a student’s academic program, but for which no academic credit is given. Students may work under this benefit for a total of 12 months over the course of an academic career. students are permitted to work part-time while school is in session, full-time during vacation periods and after completion of all course requirements but prior to completion of a thesis, and a full-time after completion of all degree requirements. OPT is recommended by the International Student Advisor and authorized by the USCIS; the completion of studies are deducted from the smount of practical traning available after graduation.
   
   If you intend to work through Optional Practical training after completing your degree requirements, stop by the office at least three months in advance. USCIS will accept the application for employment authorization up to 90 days from the date of completion of degree requirements ( not the date of the graduation ceremony). After that date students are ineligible for the authorization, so don't delay!
   
   If you wish to pursue OPT, please print and follow these instructions.

1. Can I travel while my OPT is being processed?
        We strongly recommend that you do not travel until you received your EAD card. When you travel, some information (e.g. your I- 94 ) are updated. However, this information is not updated with USCIS and may cause a conflict with your case.
   
   
2. Does the OISS mail out the application?
        YOU are responsible to mail out the application (preferably through a certified service). The OISS only reviews your paperwork and returns it with our recommendation.
   
   
3. I graduated and even though I applied for my OPT card, I still haven’t received it. What should I do?
        Have you received your notice of receipt?
        Did you check with the USCIS website for your case status?      If you answered yes to the above questions, you should call the Center where your case is being processed to see how to proceed.
   
   
4. Can I work while my OPT is being processed?
        No, you are NOT allowed to work without proof of your authorization.
   
   
5. What dates can I start my CPT?
        You can start your CPT anytime between the beginning and end dates of a semester / session as long as you registered your internship. For example, if this semester begins January 15 ends May 9, you can apply for your CPT and work only between those dates.