1. International Student (F-1 Visa) Information Session EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS February 2012

2. Colorado Heights University #1 Being a student is your most important job!

3. Colorado Heights University #2 Volunteer or unpaid employment is great on the resume and no approval is required!

4. Colorado Heights University On-Campus Employment All F-1 Visa students (IETP/BA/MBA) may apply No U.S. Government application required Maximum 20 hours per week while enrolled in classes Employment may only continue through vacation if you intend to enroll in the next available session

5. Colorado Heights University Practical Training Work must be related to your area of study Degree students only IETP students should consider a degree program! C omplete at least two semesters (32 weeks) to begin Unless you are an MBA student! Two types: 1.Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Integral or required part of curriculum – before graduation 2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) Not required but beneficial – before and after graduation

6. Colorado Heights University Curricular Practical Training (CPT) No U.S. Government application Phew! CHU Registrar approval required before you begin Make an appointment! Enrollment in Internship course is required Talk to your Academic Advisor about when to enroll! Full-time employment is allowed while enrolled **Do not work full-time for 12 months or more unless you do not plan to participate in ‘post-completion’ OPT**

7. Colorado Heights University Optional Practical Training (OPT) 1 year work authorization per degree level Multiple Bachelor degrees does not equal multiple OPT cards! You can work anywhere in the US while on OPT NYC? Miami? LA? San Fran? – Don’t limit your applications! “Optional” means no course enrollment required Before or after graduation! But speak to the academic advisor to determine your graduation requirements OPT completed before graduation reduces the time available after graduation Meet with the Registrar to discuss the best option for you

8. Colorado Heights University Optional Practical Training (OPT) CHU Registrar approval required before you apply Make an appointment! U.S. Government application I-765 required $380 current fee – make certain your application is complete and correct! Online or Paper Application options available Best option for you will be chosen in meeting with Registrar

9. Colorado Heights University Optional Practical Training (OPT) When can I apply? Maximum 90 days before graduation (~3 months) and maximum 60 days after graduation (~2 months) When to prepare? NOW! Apply on day 90 by being prepared early! How long does it take? Average time is 90 days (3 months) If I applied, can I start working? No! You must have the OPT (EAD) card to start and the start date must have been reached

10. Colorado Heights University Optional Practical Training (OPT) Now I have my card, can I start working? Check the start date on the card first! Do I have to report any information to CHU on OPT? Yes! There are several items you must report! We will discuss them during your OPT appointment. What if I can’t find a job? Accumulation of 90 days of unemployment means you have lost F-1 status and must return home What if I’m getting close to 90 days unemployed? Volunteer employment related to your degree counts as employment

11. Colorado Heights University Off-Campus Employment CHU Registrar approval required before you apply Make an appointment! U.S. Government application I-765 and fee required Student must complete two full semesters (32 weeks) before applying Maximum 20 hours per week while enrolled in classes Only available to students with severe economic hardship circumstances Strong evidence is required to convince the U.S. Government – whether student or sponsor!

12. Colorado Heights University Off-Campus Employment U.S. Government Severe Economic Hardship Definition: Employment may not affect ability to maintain F-1 status On-campus work or CPT is not available or is insufficient Unexpected and beyond the student's control: - Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment **By no fault of the student** - Substantial currency or exchange rate change - Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs -Unexpected changes in financial condition Example: medical bills

13. Colorado Heights University QUIZ! Make small groups and discuss an answer to each question: 1.Can I work on-campus full-time during summer break after I graduate? 2.Can I work full-time on-campus if I am enrolled in CPT? 3.Can I work full-time on-campus during my break semester if I am enrolled in classes? 4.I haven’t signed up for internship class yet, can I start looking for employment? 5.The Registrar told me SEVIS says my OPT application was approved, can I start working? 6.I received my post-completion OPT card before I graduated, can I start working? 7.My sponsor decided not to sponsor me any longer – can I apply for off- campus employment?

14. Colorado Heights University Questions??

15. Colorado Heights University Thank You! Don’t wait if you have questions! Student Affairs Administration Building, Room 214 303-937-4280 Studentaffairs@chu.edu Registrar Administration Building, Room 214C 303-937-4576 Registrar@chu.edu