F1 Employment (CPT & OPT)

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

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.

How to Apply for CPT

Eligibility: All students on a CUI I-20 who have been in-status at least one academic year

Benefit: Work part-time & Full-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 U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with the help of the OGP Office.

Cost to apply: $380

NOTE: May apply up to 90 days BEFORE graduation or 60 days AFTER graduation

How to Apply for OPT

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.

Ccost to apply: $380

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 websites that request a SSN.