Employment

Working Off Campus

In order to work off campus, students with an F-1 visa must obtain authorization from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), a part of the Department of Homeland Security. There is the possibility for students to have Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows F-1 visa holders to seek employment, for up to 12 months, in the US.  International students most frequently take advantage of the OPT the year after graduation.  However, students who wish to have paid internships during January Term or in the summers must apply for work authorization as well. The time spent on a paid internship is deducted from the 12 month OPT period.

As an international student on an F-1 visa you are not allowed to work off campus unless you meet the requirements for one of the following.

You are participating in Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

1. CPT must be taken as a course for credit towards your degree and must be added to your degree plan
2. CPT is limited to part-time (20 hours per week) employment only unless given special permission. Even with special permission a student is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session
3. CPT must be approved by the Registrar
4. Your I-20 must be updated to reflect approval

You are participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. OPT is available for a 12 month period beginning after graduation
2. Work must be directly related to the student’s major area of study
3. Student on OPT may work full-time during that 12 month period
4. It is suggested that students apply for OPT by filing the I-765 90 days prior to graduation
5. Work eligibility begins upon receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
6. OPT must be approved by the Registrar
7. Your I-20 must be updated to reflect approval

A student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at an approved institution for one full academic year prior to being eligible for either CPT or OPT.

It is possible to work full-time in an special approved CPT, however any full-time employment during CPT will be subtracted from the time available for post-graduation OPT and in some cases may negate OPT eligibility. Even if approval is granted a student is only allowed to work 20 hours per week while school is in session.

Students may not work off campus, until the end of their first academic year. When a student is issued an I-20 form, the information is recorded in SEVIS, a government system for tracking international students, introduced after 2001.  International students may not apply for work authorization, until they have been in SEVIS for nine months.

If you have questions please contact the Austin College Registrar.