1. Immigration Regulations About Working in the U.S. Presented by the Office for International Students and Scholars 103 International Center

2. Topics for today: F-1 on campus work F-1 off campus work including curricular practical training and optional practical training The H-1B visa A quick look at ways to obtain U.S. permanent residency Time for questions and answers

3. You have the right to know all information related to your immigration status; OISS will do our best to share this information Today’s session will provide a very broad overview of employment-related options More detailed information is available on these issues. OISS advisers can help you with issues related to your F or J status

4. On Campus Employment F-1 students are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during vacation periods No special permission required

5. F-1 Off Campus Employment Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Severe Economic Hardship Optional Practical Training (OPT)

6. Curricular Practical Training Purpose of CPT is to complement study program and provide opportunity to get work experience in the field of study Must be an integral part of an established curriculum or a requirement of the degree CPT authorization must be tied to course credit if it is not a degree requirement

7. More CPT CPT can be granted by advisers in OISS Eligibility: Must have completed one academic year unless you are a graduate student and the department requires it from the program start No limit to the maximum amount of CPT Caution: eligibility to apply for OPT is lost if more than 12 months of full time CPT is authorized

8. Severe Economic Hardship Purpose is to earn money; not to get work experience Must have been in F-1 status one academic year Must demonstrate severe economic hardship that resulted from an unforeseen circumstance and that other employment options are not available or insufficient…this is a hard standard to achieve Student applies to the USCIS office in Nebraska Application often takes 3 or more months

9. Optional Practical Training Allows students to gain work experience in their field of study Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT after each higher degree earned USCIS must receive the application before your date of graduation Application often takes 3 or more months

10. What Can I Do After OPT? OPT is the last benefit that you can apply for Steps to remain in the U.S. beyond OPT will require someone to sponsor you….might be an employer, a spouse, an immediate family member, etc. The point is that you cannot do this alone

11. H-1B status Temporary Worker visa Total eligibility is 6 years (3 years twice) Must be in a specialty occupation….defined as the position requires a minimum of a completed bachelor’s degree Must be paid at least the prevailing wage for others in the occupation

12. More H-1B Cap of 65,000 per year, but universities are not counted in the cap Outside legal help is often required Getting a referral to an immigration attorney Beware and check references; lots of good, but some not so good attorneys Attorney fees often range from $1,500 and up

13. How can I stay in the U.S. beyond the limits of the H-1B? Five ways to U.S. permanent residency: 1.Employment based 2.Family reunification 3.Political asylum 4.Marriage 5.Diversity Lottery

14. For Most Information OISS website: http://www.isp.msu.edu/oiss/ http://www.isp.msu.edu/oiss/ OISS walk-in hours are 1 pm to 3 pm daily

15. Questions/Answers