F1 Employment

1. Working on-campus at CUI

Eligibility: All students on a CUI I-20 are eligible
Benefit: Work Part-time up to 20 hours per week during the regular semester and up to 40 during the summer, job type is not important
Application: No immigration application required, apply through CUI
NOTE: Once a job offer is received, the student can apply for a Social Security Card and a FICA (Tax) exemption

2. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Eligibility: All students on a CUI I-20 who have been in-status for at least one academic year.
Benefit: Work in a field related to student's major. The work must be a part of the student's curriculum / required coursework. Student must be supervised and receive a grade for the course.
Application: Apply through the Office of Global Programs BEFORE you begin work. A notation must be made on your I-20.

3. Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Eligibility: All students on a CUI I-20 who have been in-status at least one academic year
Benefit: Work part-time, off campus, in the student's field of study, for one year while the student is still taking classes at CUI
Application: Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of the OGP Office. Current cost to apply: $380
NOTE: One year of this OPT prevents doing the post-completion OPT.

4. Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Eligibility: All students on a CUI I-20 who have been in-status at least one academic year
Benefit: Work full-time, off campus, in the student's field of study, for one year after the student has graduated from CUI.
Application: Apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of the OGP Office. Current cost to apply: $380
NOTE: May apply up to 90 days BEFORE graduation or 60 days AFTER graduation.

5. Severe Economic Hardship

Eligibility: All students on a CUI I-20 who have been in-status for at least one academic year. Must have a severe, documented, unforeseen change in financial support
Benefit: Work part-time, off campus, for one year while the student is still taking classes at CUI
Application: Apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of the OGP. Current cost to apply: $380

CPT

CPT Eligibility Requirements

• Must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semesters).
• Employment must be integral or relevant to your established curriculum.
• Training that is required of all students or optional for your degree or track.
• Register for the appropriate credits before applying for CPT; if you cannot receive course/research credits for the work experience, you cannot be authorized for CPT. See Registration Requirements below.
• Your PDSO will process your application for CPT. If approved, you will be issued a new I-20 that shows the CPT employment authorization on the third page. Your CPT is authorized for a specific employer, location and length of time. You may only work on CPT for the employer and length of time authorized on your I-20.

How to apply for CPT

You should make an appointment to meet with your PDSO at the Global Programs (Admin 120C) prior to engaging in the internship, clerkship, or practicum. Please bring the following documents with you for your appointment:

• CPT APPLICATION FORM
• CPT ACADEMIC ADVISOR LETTER
• INTERNSHIP OFFER LETTER - An offer letter from the prospective employer on the employer's letterhead. The offer letter should provide the EXACT PHYSICAL ADDRESS (Street, Suite # if any, City, State, and Postal Code) of the internship, the duration of the internship including the start and end dates, and a general description of duties

You may begin CPT only after receiving your new I-20 with the CPT Employment Authorization from your PDSO. If all documents are in order and registration for CPT is completed, the CPT will be authorized during your appointment. No additional employment authorization is required from United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) for CPT.

OPT

OPT is defined in the Federal Regulations as temporary employment directly related to a student's field of study. During OPT, a student remains in F-1 status. The end result of the OPT request process is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS).

OPT Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for OPT, the student must:

• Must be in legal F-1 immigration status
• Must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semesters).

Bring to OPT Appointment:

• OPT Application Form
• Passport (old and current)
• I-20s (Old and current)
• I-94 (white departure card)
• Visa (F1)
• Other US Immigration documents (if available)
• Recommendation Letter from your Academic Advisor with actual date of completion of studies
• Two(2) Current Photos – US Visa/Passport requirements
• Check or Money order ($380), payable to US Department of Homeland Security
• Completed Form I-765

Application Checklist
OPT Packet

Social Security Card

A Social Security card is issued by the Social Security Administration with a unique Social Security Number (SSN) along with your legal name (name on your passport). A Social Security Number is required for everyone who works in the U.S., including individuals in F-1, J-1 and H-1 visa. This number will be yours for life. If you have previously had a SSN, you can apply for a duplicate card. You will need the number for many purposes in the U.S. including employment and paying taxes. A Social Security card is not a work permit.

Working While Waiting for a SSN

If you have applied for the SSN you may work while the Social Security number application is being processed. There is no provision in the law that requires employers to have their employees' SSNs before hiring them. There is no provision that prohibits an employee from beginning work if he or she has not yet obtained an SSN. However, you must have employment authorization from your program sponsor or the USCIS before you begin working.

Social Security Number Safety

A SSN is only meant to be used for tax and government purposes; however, it is often used by financial institutions, businesses, and others as a unique identification number. Because the SSN is a unique ID, it is often the target of "identity theft". You should be very careful about where and to whom you give your SSN. Never carry your Social Security card or number with you. Keep it at home in a secure place.

• Only give your SSN to someone who has a specific and legitimate need for it.
• Be very careful with any forms, applications or other materials that may have your SSN on it.
• Never give your SSN to someone who phones you.
• Never reply to email or web sites that request a SSN.