1. International Student
Employment Information

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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.