International Student Employment Information

Types of Employment Optional Practical Training (OPT) Pre-Completion Post-Completion STEM Extension Curricular Practical Training (CPT) On-Campus Work Authorization for Economic Hardship

Eligibility All Employment requires that you are maintaining your student status: Enrolled full-time (or graduating) Making normal progress toward graduation In “good standing” with OCU In good immigration standing Must have completed one full academic year.

Authorization Optional Practical Training (OPT): Requires USCIS approval and EAD card Curricular Practical Training: Requires faculty approval and IA office authorization on I-20. On-Campus: No major authorization required, but must obtain SSN Economic Hardship: Requires USCIS approval and EAD card.

Optional Practical Training Pre-Completion Maximum 20 hours per week 12 month limit – if used Post-Completion OPT is not available. Must complete one academic year to be eligible. To apply: Application available in IA. IA approval and USCIS approval required.

Optional Practical Training Post-Completion Minimum 20 hours per week 12 month limit Apply up to 90 days before graduation and up to 60 days after. Start date must be no more than 60 days after graduation (July 7) Max 90 days of unemployment Must work in field of study Must report employer, employer address, and home address to IA

Optional Practical Training STEM Extension 24 month extension on top of 12 month OPT Must work for E-Verified employer Must have STEM degree Application must be submitted before original OPT authorization ends Must report employer, address, every 6 months (validation)

Curricular Practical Training Maximum 20 hours per week Must have completed one academic year Must be enrolled full-time Employment must be a required part of degree requirements, ex: Internship course, practicum project Must have letter/form from advisor and employer IA will add authorization to I-20 No limit on part-time CPT. 12 month limit on full-time CPT. FT will effect OPT eligibility.

Economic Hardship Must prove “unavoidable” and “unforeseeable” circumstances Must complete one academic year Must be full-time Must provide extensive documentation of circumstances – may be difficult for students receiving scholarship USCIS authorization required

Social Security Number (SSN) Required for all paid employment OPT: Apply with EAD card, I-20, passport/visa. Must apply after OPT is approved, after start date. CPT: Apply with your CPT authorized I-20, passport/visa On-Campus: Apply with I-20, HR provided documents, IA signature Economic Hardship: Same as OPT

Always Remember: NEVER EVER work without proper authorization!!! Illegal employment may result in I-20 termination, deportation, and up to a 10 year ban from returning to the U.S. The IA office is always happy to discuss your employment options and to advise you.