Overview
The following information focuses on employment before graduation and how to obtain the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) based on Optional Practical Training (OPT) from the USCIS. Under the OPT, students are eligible for a total of 12 months of employment that must be directly related to the student's field of study.
Part-time Optional Practical Training (20 hrs. or less), will be deducted from the available Optional Practical Training at one-half the full-time rate (e.g., if you were to work half-time for two months before you graduate, you would have eleven months of employment eligibility remaining after you graduate).
Full-time Optional Practical Training before the completion of studies is deducted at the full-time rate. Students must submit proper documentation to the international student advisor for preliminary processing. Employment may not begin until the EAD has been received by the student. A job offer is not required for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to be granted. Processing time by the USCIS varies but is currently estimated at 3 – 4 months. How to Qualify
Under this type of practical training, employment authorization will be granted by USCIS if all these conditions are met: - The student has been in valid F-1 status for an academic year (approximately 9 months) prior to the start of the requested practical training period
- The job is directly related to the student's field of study; and
- The job is commensurate with the student's educational level.
Conditions for Off-Campus Employment
According to USCIS, Practical Training may be authorized under any of the following circumstances: - During the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled and intends to register for the next term of the session;
- While school is in session, provided that total on and off-campus work does not exceed twenty hours per week; (students on a '50% RA/TA-ship' are already considered to be working 20 hours per week.)
- After completion of course requirements (but before completion of course study), excluding a thesis or the equivalent, if the student is in a doctoral or other degree program in which a thesis is required (This information must be included in the advisor's letter)
- After completion of the course of study, as long as the student is not already enrolled in or admitted to another degree program. Students who are enrolled in more than one degree program may not apply for post-completion practical training based on completion of one degree program while taking a leave of absence from the other degree program. Students who complete one degree level/program may not defer starting the new level/program in order to engage in post-completion practical training based on completion of the first degree. (Employment after completion of studies is called 'post-completion' practical training.)
Note: If you participate in twelve months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training, you will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training. Part-time Curricular Practical Training is not deducted. (Employment on-campus does not affect Optional Practical Training.) Curricular Practical Training is authorized by the international student advisor and does NOT require issuance of the EAD by the USCIS, but it normally requires enrollment in a special 'practical training course.' Please read the information on Curricular Practical Training for more information. How to Apply
Please pick up your application package at the International Student Services Office.
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