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This practical training workshop provides a comprehensive guide to working off-campus as an international student. Learn about Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) qualifications, application deadlines, work hours requirements, and more!
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F-1 Practical Training Workshop A Guide to Working Off-Campus for UR International Students
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Definition Alternate work/study, internship, cooperation education, or a required internship or practicum offered by sponsoring employers through cooperative agreements with the school
CPT Qualifications F-1 student in good standing F-1 status for at least 1 academic year EXCEPT for graduate students whose programs require a work experience in the 1st semester Must be a continuing F-1 student; CPT cannot be used after completion of studies Work must relate to your major(s)
CPT Qualifications Must receive UR academic credit during employment period unless work experience is a program requirement Must be enrolled full-time during employment period except for summer and official school breaks Paid or unpaid off-campus work anywhere in the U.S. Must have employment offer
CP T Length of Time No maximum Can be authorized in 1 year increments before completion of studies Can be authorized for part-time (20 hours or less) or full-time (over 20 hours) Eligible for CPT at each higher degree level (Master’s, Ph.D.)
F-1 Work Hours Requirement 20 hour per week maximum including other jobs when school is in session 40 hours per week or full-time equivalent during school breaks for continuing students
CPT Special Topics • Ineligible for OPT at same degree level if you use 1 year or more of full-time CPT; part-time CPT does not count • CPT is employer-specific; can work for multiple employers at the same time as long as separate CPT applications are made for each one • Transfer to another school – CPT ends on transfer date; must apply for CPT with ISA at new institution • Cancellations can be made prior to employment start date
CPT Application • Applications must be made BEFORE employment start date. • Student Statement • Employer Statement • Departmental Recommendation • Students approved for CPT will receive new I-20 with authorization.
CPT Application Deadlines December 1st in fall semester May 1st in spring semester CPT can be authorized during the summer at least 5 working days in advance of employment start date
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Definition Work experience directly related to an F-1 student’s major to provide practical training during or upon completion of a degree program
OPT Qualifications F-1 student in good standing F-1 status for at least 1 academic year Work must relate to your major(s) Off-campus work anywhere in the U.S. On-campus work after graduation if work relates to your major
OPT Length of Time 12 month maximum at each higher educational level (undergraduate, graduate, doctoral) Cannot combine OPT periods – must use after each degree level 29 months for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) extension
Pre-completion Employment Work must relate to major
Post-completion Employment Paid, unpaid or volunteer positions Multiple employers Work for hire as contractor or consultant Self-employed business owner Agency or consulting firm
STEM Employment Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify Volunteering allowed but does not count toward work hours requirement
F-1 Work Hours Requirement Pre-completion: • 20 hour per week maximum including other jobs when school is in session • 40 hours per week or full-time equivalent during school breaks for continuing students Post-completion: • At least 20 hours per week • An average of at least 20 hours per week in a 1-month period for variable work schedules
OPT Application Deadlines Pre-completion: • 90 days before completing 1st full academic year • 90 days before employment start date if you have completed 1st full academic year Post-completion: • 90 days before completion of studies Students must apply separately for pre- and post-completion OPT.
STEM Extension Application Deadline 120 days before OPT end date
OPT Application Deadlines December 1st in fall semester May 1st in spring semester Application must be received at USCIS Service Center within 30 days of International Student Advisor (ISA) recommendation
OPT Periods of Employment • Start date no more than 60 days after completion of studies • End date no more than 12 months from start date if you have not used pre-completion OPT • Employment can begin or end any time during authorized period • Cannot work until start date on Employment Authorization Document (EAD) • Must be in physical possession of EAD
OPT Periods of Unemployment 90 calendar days for post-completion 120 calendar days for STEM extension Employment travel and periods of authorized leave do not count as unemployment
Exceeding OPTUnemployment Limit Department of Homeland Security (DHS), not ISA, is responsible for calculating unemployment time and taking action in SEVIS Denial of future immigration benefits DHS could terminate SEVIS record
OPT Application • A job is NOT required except for STEM extension • Employer’s name & address as written on contract if you have a job • Departmental Recommendation • Student Statement • I-765 form from USCIS website http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis • I-765 fee (personal check or money order) • I-912 to request fee waiver from USCIS website • 2 passport photos • Copies of all I-20s or F-1status letter if you have no I-20s from the institution, I-94 card, passport information page, F-1 visa stamp • Copy of I-20 from ISA with OPT recommendation on 3rd page • Copy of degree for STEM extension only
OPT Approval Process 2-3 weeks after mailing application for USCIS receipt notice (I-797C) 90 calendar days from I-797C receipt date for approval 2 weeks from approval date for USCIS to mail your EAD
OPT Application Status • Email/text notification of application receipt by completing Form G-1145 from USCIS website • Cancelled bank check with receipt number on the back for pending applications • If your check has been cashed but you have not received the I-797C receipt notice, email lockboxsupport@dhs.gov • USCIS website http://www.uscis.gov to check case status online • If your receipt number does not show up online, email SCOPSSCATA@DHS.GOV • Call National Customer Service Center (1-800-375-5283) or make appointment (http://infopass.uscis.gov) if application has not been processed within 90 days • Once you receive approval notice, call National Customer Service Center for EAD tracking number and check status on Postal Service website at www.usps.com
Travel Before OPT Approval Possible without a job Carry endorsed I-20, I-797C, I-94, passport, F-1 visa stamp Obtain I-20 travel signature from ISA every 6 months Explain you are looking for employment
Travel After OPT Approval • Not possible without a job • Carry endorsed I-20, I-94, passport, F-1 visa stamp, EAD, and contract letter • Obtain I-20 travel signature from ISA every 6 months • Cannot enter the U.S. until EAD start date • Unemployed time abroad cannot be regained • Not permitted during cap-gap period • Not permitted if STEM extension pending and EAD expired
Travel Without OPT Application Ineligible to apply for post-completion OPT May not be allowed to enter U.S.
F-1 Visa Stamp Must be renewed at U.S. consulate in home country Present signed I-20, EAD, passport, proof of employment Especially risky if you have a pending or approved H-1B petition
OPT Special Topics • Curricular Practical Training (CPT) –ineligible for OPT if you use 1 year or more of full-time CPT • Cancellation – possible if done before start date on EAD • Working on campus – not possible after you graduate without using OPT • Failure to complete program – if application is pending it must be withdrawn; if application has been approved can work part-time while completing program and full-time upon program completion • Transfer to another school – OPT ends on transfer date • Departure from U.S. – 60-day grace period after EAD end date
OPT Post-completion Reporting to ISA Within 10 Days: Initial job (employer name, start date, mailing address) Subsequent jobs (employer name, start date, mailing address, end date of former employment) More than 10 days of unemployment Address change Name change Early departure date from U.S.
STEM Majors Reporting to ISA Within 10 days: • Name change • Address change • Employer change (employer name & address) • Loss of employment Every 6 months: • Legal name • SEVIS ID number • Current mailing & residential address • Current employer name & address • Current employment start date
Questions? Email Krittika Onsanit (ISA) at konsanit@richmond.edu Walk-in hours (2-4 pm, Monday-Thursday each week, 103G International Center) Email for appointment at other times