International Programs
Employment Authorization Options
For International Students
On-Campus Employment - F-1 and J-1 students
International students in F-1 or J-1 status may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the term, 40 hours per week during vacation periods. Job openings are posted in the Student Employment Office in Churchill 160. It is also important to check with departments and services on-campus also. Cascade Food Court, Housing, Stevenson Union, Library, and Duplicating are often good places to start a job search. The SOU Jobline is another employment resource. You may call 552-6510 to listen to a recording of positions open at the university.
Off-Campus Employment - F-1 students only
F-1 international students have five potential options for obtaining authorization to work off-campus:
1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT)
3. Employment Based on Severe Economic Hardship
4. Special Student Relief (see restrictions)
5. Internship with Approved International Organization
1. Optional Practical Training (OPT) - F-1 students only
allows F-1 students to gain up to a year of experience working in their field of study during the following periods: (students are eligible for OPT only after having been in F-1 student status for 9 consecutive months)
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when school is not in session if a student is currently enrolled and intends to register for the next quarter;
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while school is in session, provided OPT does not exceed 20 hours per week;
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after degree requirements have been completed.
Students may be granted up to 12 months of OPT during their stay in the United States. The only way for a student to get a second 12 months of OPT is to leave the country for 5 months or to complete another 9 consecutive months as a student in the United States in F-1 status.
When to Apply: The U.S. government must receive a student's OPT application before the student's program end date on the I-20 to be eligible for OPT. If a student is graduating earlier than the date on the I-20, the student must inform the International Student Program Advisor so the graduation date can be updated on the I-20. Students are encouraged to apply three months before their program end date.
2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) - F-1 students only
allows an F-1 student to work off-campus in a paid or unpaid position as part of work which is required by their program of study. This type of practical training is approved and authorized by the International Student Advisor.
Students must be in status for at least 9 consecutive months before they are eligible for CPT unless the student is enrolled in a graduate program which requires immediate participation in practical training experiences. Students who receive one year or more of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT. However part-time CPT, 20 hours per week or less, is NOT counted toward the one-year maximum after which students are ineligible for OPT.
Because the International Student Advisor must include details about the employment, it is necessary for the student to find a job before requesting CPT. The student should secure a job-offer letter, on company letterhead, explaining the nature and the duration of the employment as well as the number of hours per week the student is expected to work. Once this is completed the student should schedule an appointment with the International Student Advisor.
3. Employment Authorization Based on Severe Economic Hardship
International students in good standing who experience unforeseen economic hardships may apply for off-campus work authorization. To apply for this authorization, it is recommended the student make an appointment with the International Student Advisor to discuss the process. The student will need to provide supporting materials or a letter detailing the conditions that require the student to seek off-campus work.
4. Special Student Relief
International students whose main source of funding comes from family or an organization in Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Philippines and who have been in valid F-1 visa status since June 10, 1998 may apply for off-campus work authorization based on severe economic hardship. If you are interested in applying for this program, please make an appointment to see the International Student Advisor at 552-6660.
5. Internship with Approved International Organization
Student is eligible immediately for this type of off-campus work. Must be with an approved international organization (see International Student Advisor for list) and must have offer of employment with the organization. Student must apply to USCIS for approval and cannot work until approval is received. Student may be approved for full-time employment. Employment does not have to be related to course of study, but international organizations usually hire students for positions in their field of study.
Off-Campus Employment - J-1 students only
J-1 international students have three potential options for obtaining authorization to work off-campus:
1. Academic Training
2. Severe Economic Necessity Employment
5. Special Asian Student Relief Employment
1. Academic Training - J-1 students only
Allows J-1 students to work on a part-time basis (20 or less hours per week) while school is in session or may be used on a full-time basis (20+ hours per week) during breaks/holidays or after studeis complete. J-1 students are eleigible for Academic Training immediately upon their arrival. However, all Academic Training must be approved by the International Student Advisor BEFORE the student begins work. Otherwise, the student will be out of good visa status and will be required to return to her/his home country.
J-1 students may work after graduation/end of program. The length of employment depends on the length of study. For example, if a student studied at SOU for 3 months, s/he is eleigible for 3 months of employment. Students may only be authorized for a maximum of 18 months in total. All academic training, whether part-time or full-time, whether before graduation or after, is counted toward the 18 month maximum.
2. Severe Economic Necessity Employment
In cases of "serious, urgent and unforeseen" economic hardship, a student may be authorized to work off-campus. A student interested in this type of employment should see the International Student Advisor for more information. Approval must be receive before employment begins or else the student will be considered out of status.
3. Special Asian Student Relief Employment
International students whose main source of funding comes from family or an organization in Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Philippines and who have been in valid F-1 visa status since June 10, 1998 may apply for off-campus work authorization based on severe economic hardship. If you are interested in applying for this program, please make an appointment to see the International Student Advisor at 552-6660.
| Please Note: Students working off-campus without proper permission from the USCIS (United States Customs and Immigration Services) may be subject to removal and a 3- or 10-year banned from the United States.
It is not the policy of the Office of International Programs to keep track of any student's activities or employment, nor do we serve as a watchdog for the USCIS. This note is informational only. |
