Work Authorization for F-1

Students

International Student and Scholar Services

Why isSlide
Insert Understanding
Title Line 1 Work
Insert Slide Title
Authorization Important?
Line 2
Insert Subhead Line 1
Remember,
Insert Subhead Line 2 working without
the proper work authorization
is a serious violation of your
immigration status and will
likely result in either loss of
your current status or denial of
future immigration benefits!

2
Insert
Website
Slide
has
Title
a wealth
Line 1 of information
Insert Slide Title
including:
Line 2
Insert Subhead Line 1
https://www.stevens.edu/isss
Insert Subhead Line 2

Immigration Advisors Contact

Information
Forms
FAQs

3
On Campus
Insert Slide Title
WorkLine 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Examples include the book store, dining services,
Insert Subhead
library, Line
offices 1 departments across campus.
and
Insert Subhead Line 2
During fall and spring semester, work is limited to
part-time (Less than 20 hours a week)
During breaks within your program(winter holiday,
spring break, and summer break), work can be
more than 20 hours a week
You may not engage in this kind of employment
after you have completed your program

4
On Campus
Insert Slide Title
Frequently
Line 1 Asked
Insert SlideHow
Question: TitledoLine
I find
2 an on-
campus job?
Insert Subhead Line 1
Insert Subhead Line 2
On-campus jobs are posted by the Stevens
Student Employment Office through Workday
https://www.stevens.edu/directory/student-
employment-office
Student Employment Office
1st Floor Wesley J. Howe Center Email:
studentemployment@stevens.edu

5
Types Slide
Insert of Off-
Title
Campus
Line 1 Work
Insert Slide Title
Authorization weLine
will2discuss
Insert Subhead
Curricular Line 1 Training (CPT)
Practical
Insert Subhead Line 2
Optional Practical Training (OPT)

6
What is
Insert Slide
CPT?Title Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Employment which is an integral part of an
established
Insert Subheadcurriculum
Line 1 (i.e., work that is required for
a course
Insert you are
Subhead Linetaking
2 at Stevens), including:

Example: You are enrolled in a CPT course, CS 703.

As part of the course, you must do an internship or
work off-campus.

Example: You are selected for the Co-Op Program,

and have a semester long internship related to your
major

7
Insert Slide Title
What Makes You Line 1
Eligible for CPT?
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Completed 1 academic year in F-1 status for (one fall
Insert Subhead
and one Line 1
spring semester)
Insert Subhead Line 2
Exceptions: Change of Status, Had F-1 status
previously. Please contact your advisor for help.
Enrolled in the CPT course for your major or the Co-Op
Course
Job offer with the following details on the employers
letterhead: student's name, the company's name, the
company's address, a statement of the job offer, the
number of hours per a week and the start and end
dates which are within the semester dates
Location- during semester, must be within a
reasonable commuting distance (75 miles)

8
Insert Slide Title Line 1
How does CPT work at Stevens?
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Insert Subhead Line 1
Insert SubheadRegister
the CPT 2
Line for
Pick up
Find the course or
Submit the your CPT I-
internship, Co-Op Begin job
documents 20
job or co- Course on CPT
to the ISSS (Apply for a
op (Registrar office start date
experience Social listed on
Form that
related to (CPT form Security the Form I-
requires a
your & Offer Number, if 20
signature
degree Letter) you need
from
one)
Graduate
Academics)

9
CPT Part-time
Insert Slide Title
vs.Line
Full-time
1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
3 credits of CPT are allowed per academic
Insert
levelSubhead Line 1
Insert Subhead
Part-Time Line or
(20 hours 2 less per week)vs. Full-
Time (More than 20 hours per week)
Doing full-time CPT for one year (365 days)
or more will cancel your eligibility for
Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Full-time CPT with a full-course load is
requires your academic advisors approval.

10
Insert Slide Title Line 1
CPT Reminders
Insert Slide Title Line 2
CPT work authorization is granted only by ISSS.
Insert
It is Subhead
necessaryLine 1
to obtain CPT work authorization
Insert
beforeSubhead
doing Line 2 paid or unpaid work, since CPT
either
is for any work done as an integral part of the
curriculum.
You should not work until you have your new I-20,
and the work authorization date has arrived.
CPT work must be done in conjunction with eligible
coursework, so CPT will not be approved between
semesters.

11
CPT Frequently
Insert Slide Title Asked
Line 1 Questions
Insert Slide Title Line 2
I want to work my study plan out in such a way that in my last semester, I
can just use CPT to finish my required credits. Is this possible?
Insert Subhead Line 1
No. The F-1 regulations state that if students require just one course to finish
Insert Subhead Line 2
their program, it cannot be taken through online/distance education. Since
CPT involves little time on-campus and students would spend most of their
time off-campus working, this falls into the distance learning category and
will not be allowed. If you require one course to graduate in your last
semester, you must take an actual on-campus course.
Remember, if you are doing CPT in your final semester, you must pair the CPT
class with an on-campus class.

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CPT Frequently
Insert Slide Title Asked Line 1 Questions
Insert Slide Title Line 2
I will finish my degree earlier than the end date of my I-20. Can I just take
extra courses (including CPT) in my last semester?
Insert Subhead Line 1
No. Regardless of the end date on your I-20, when you can graduate, you
Insertmust
Subhead
graduate. Line 2
If you complete your program earlier than your I-20, you must
have your I-20 shortened and move on (apply for OPT, transfer, change
levels, etc.).

When does CPT work authorization begin and end?

As CPT work authorization is related to the requirements for a course, the
earliest a student may be approved for CPT work authorization is the first day
of class for the term. The last day a student may be approved for CPT work
authorization is the last day of the final exam period for the term.

When is the deadline to apply for CPT?

Fall Semester: October 15th
Spring Semester: March 15th
Summer Semester: July 15th

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Insert Slide TitleAsked
CPT Frequently Line 1Questions
Insert Slide Title Line 2
I have received a CPT offer at a company located far away from
Stevens. Can I do this
Insert Subhead if my1professors agree to allow me to complete
Line
my other courses remotely or online?
Insert Subhead Line 2
No. In order to maintain your F-1 status, you will need to always be
taking at least one on-campus course per semester (or more than one,
if it is not your last semester and/or you need more than one course).
As such, it is impossible for you to maintain your status if you are taking
only online courses, or if you are enrolled in on-campus courses but not
actually attending them. ISSS will only authorize CPT for jobs located
within a reasonable commuting distance from campus.
You are welcome to pursue these kinds of remote opportunities in the
summer, when you are not required to be physically present on-
campus taking courses.

14
For more detailed information on CPT, please visit our CPT Work
Authorization Page:
https://www.stevens.edu/directory/international-student-and-
scholar-services/f-1-students/cpt-work-authorization.

When you are ready to apply, CPT FAQ sheets and Request
Forms can be found in the ISSS office or on our website in the
F-1 Student Forms page:
https://www.stevens.edu/directory/international-student-and-
scholar-services/forms-and-resources/f-1-student-forms.

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What is
Insert Slide
OPT? Title Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is off-campus employment
authorization that allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their
Insert
majorSubhead Line 1
field of study.
Insert Subhead Line 2
OPT is authorized by USCIS (not ISSS, although we do make the
request in SEVIS and issue you I-20s)

Total standard OPT period: 12 months per academic level- You can
use your OPT in parts or all at once.
24 month extension (STEM extension) is available to some majors.

May be used either before graduation (pre-completion), after

graduation (post-completion), or a combination.

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Part-Time
Insert Slidevs. Title
Full-Time
Line 1 OPT
Insert Slide
During the Title Line 2
semester
Part-time only (up to 20 hours per week)
Insert Subhead Line 1
Calculated at rate (for example, 6 months of part-time OPT = 3 months of
Insertfull-time)
Subhead Line 2

During official university breaks (i.e., winter, summer)

Part-time or full-time

PhDs on dissertation or thesis status (all credits completed)

Part-time or full-time

After completion of degree

Full-time only (no less than 20 hours per week)

17
What Makes
Insert Slide Title You Line
Eligible?
1
Insert Slide
Be a full-time Title
student in F-1Line
status for2at least one academic year
(one fall and one spring semester)
Insert Subhead Line 1
Insert Subhead Line 2
Be in lawful F-1 status at the time of the OPT application
Time spent in another status can count towards the full academic
year requirement, but you must be in F-1 status by the time you
actually apply.

Be employed in a job directly related to field of study

Unlike CPT, you do not need to have a job offer prior to applying for
and receiving OPT approval!

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When Slide
Insert to Apply Title Line 1
Insert Slide
At least 90 Title Line
days in advance: 2
USCIS processing averages 75-90 days.
Dont wait until you have a job if you know you want OPT!
Insert Subhead Line 1
Insert
WhenSubhead Line
is the earliest I can2apply?
90 days before you want to start working (for pre-completion OPT) or 90
days before your program end date (for post-completion OPT).

When is the latest I can apply?

Post-completion OPT: USCIS must receive your completed application
for processing no later than 60 days after your I-20s program
completion date.
Example: You complete your academic program in May. USCIS must receive
your OPT application no later than 60 days after the May completion date.

STEM extension: USCIS must receive your application before your

standard OPT expires.

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 Choosing
Insert SlideaTitle StartLine
Date
1
Insert Slide
Pre-Completion OPTTitle Line 2
Choose the date youd like to begin work, ideally.
Insert Subhead Line 1
Post-Completion OPT
Insert Subhead Line 2
You can choose any start date within the 60-day grace period after your
program end date (i.e., Your program ends on December 22, 2017, your start
date can be any day from December 23, 2017- February 20, 2018.)

Changing the date/canceling OPT

You can change your start before sending your application to USCIS not after

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Post-completion OPT Timeline

During your final semester

21
Post-completion OPT Timeline
For a student graduating in December 2017

December 22, 2017

September 23 2017 February 20, 2018

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How toSlide
Insert Apply
Title Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
1. Complete and Submit the following application
forms to ISSS:
Insert Subhead Line 1
For Post-Completion OPT: In order to process your
Insert Subhead Line 2
application, ISSS must be able to verify that youve
submitted an Application for Candidacy to the
Registrars Office and been preliminarily cleared to
graduate.
Your Degree Checkout Status should indicate either
Pending Final Grades or Cleared for Graduation.

Submit the OPT Request Form to

ISSS.Application@stevens.edu.

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How toSlide
Insert Apply Title(cont.)
Line 1
Insert Slide
2. Send your Title
complete Lineto USCIS
application 2 within 30 days of the date on
the I-20s. The complete application includes:
Insert Subhead
$410 Line
Fee- Personal 1 or money order
check
Insert Subhead
Photocopy Line
of the OPT 2
I-20 (Save your original!)
Two passport photos- 2 x 2 with white background
I-765 (Make sure home address is valid for 3 months!)
Photocopies of previous Forms I-20.
Photocopy of Form I-94
Photocopies of your passport ID pages and visa
Photocopy of any previous EAD Card(s)
Photocopy of dependent I-20s

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What happens
Insert Slide Titlenext? Line 1
Insert
Receive Slide Title
I-797 Receipt Line
Notice 2 Usually arrives 2-4
from USCIS-
weeks after USCIS receives your application
Insert Subhead
Receive Approval Line 1 and Employment Authorization
Notice
Insert Subhead
Document LineUSCIS.
(EAD) from 2
You cannot start working until youve received your EAD card and
until the approved start date listed on your EAD card.
Remember: USCIS takes 75-90 days to process your application

Contact ISSS if there is any issue with the spelling of your name or
your birth date on your receipt; if these errors are not corrected,
they will show up on your EAD
Canceling OPT- If you change your mind and want to cancel
your OPT, you can do so before it is approved by USCIS, but your
$410 fee is not refundable. After OPT is approved, it may or may
not be possible to redeem unused OPT, even if you cannot find
a job and have to go home.

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Sample
Insert Slide
EADTitle Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Insert Subhead Line 1
Insert Subhead Line 2

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Employment
Insert Slide Title Requirements
Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line
During Post-Completion OPT:
2
Insert Subhead
F-1 Line 1upon employment.
status is dependent

Insert Subhead
Students may notLine 2 more than 90 days of unemployment
accrue
during post-completion OPT. The 90 days begin calculating on your
start date and come out of your total 12 months; they are not in
addition to that time.
What qualifies as OPT work?
Everything must be:
In a position directly related to your program of study

May be paid or unpaid

For at least 20 hours per week

No limit to how many times you can change jobs

Working at more than one job is permitted

Working for a staffing agency (Third Party Employment) is permitted

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Reporting
Insert SlideRequirements
Title Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
You must report the following to ISSS while on
OPT:Subhead Line 1
Insert
Insert Subhead
Any Lineto2address/contact information
change
Any change to legal name
Any change in OPT employment

You need to report changes within 10 days to

our office using the correct form on our
website. (Send forms to
isss.application@stevens.edu)

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OPT Frequently
Insert Slide Title Asked
Line 1 Questions
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Can USCIS expedite my OPT application if I have a pending job offer?
Insert Subhead Line 1
No, USCIS has said that pending job offers are not grounds on which an
Insert Subhead Line 2
application can be expedited. If you have a job offer with a specific start
date in mind, you should be sure to apply for OPT no less than 90 days before
the date on which you hope to start working.

Can I work before I receive my EAD?

No. If you work without proper work authorization, it is a violation of your
F-1 status. It may affect your ability to obtain immigration benefits or
legally remain in the U.S.
Can I travel outside the US while my application is pending? What
documents do I need for re-entering the US?
Visit the Travel Information page:
https://www.stevens.edu/directory/international-student-and-scholar-
services/travel-information

29
 When you are ready to apply, OPT FAQ sheets
and Request Forms can be found in the ISSS office
or on our website here:
https://www.stevens.edu/directory/international-
student-and-scholar-services/forms-and-
resources/f-1-student-forms

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Review
Insert Slide Title Line 1
Insert Slide
CPT
Title Line 2 OPT

Insert
CanSubhead Linestudying
be used only while 1 Can be used either while studying or
after graduating
Insert Subhead
3 credit Line
maximum per 2 (Stevens
level
rule) 12 month limit per education level
365+ days of full time CPT will Some students eligible for 17
cancel OPT month extension

Part-time or full-time Part time only while studying, full time

Full-time while studying full time only after graduation.
requires permission from advisor
Must be approved by USCIS
Must be approved by ISSS
Job offer not required before replying
Job offer required before applying
Usually takes about 90 days to obtain
Usually takes 2 weeks to obtain

31
WhatsSlide
Insert Next?Title Line 1
Insert Slide Title Line 2
Contact
Insert Subhead Line 1 ISSS when
Insert Subhead Line 2 ready to apply!
youre

201-216-5189
Alexander House, 1st Floor
www.stevens.edu/isss

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