Working as an F-1 Student

F-1 students need prior authorization from an International Student Counselor for any kind of work, on or off campus. Students MUST be in good academic standing, and they must be in-status (registered for classes fulltime 12 credit minimum, with no “E” grades in their academic history) to obtain work privileges. International students must have permission from an International Student Counselor for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and On-Campus Employment, and from the United States Customs and Immigration Services for Optional Practical Training (OPT), and for Severe Economic Hardship.

Please note:  As of October 13, 2004, F-1 students may only obtain a Social Security number if the student is working.  This is a Social Security Administration regulation.  For more information on F-1 students and Social Security numbers, please visit http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10096.html.

On Campus Options:

Students MUST be in good academic standing, and they must be in-status (registered for classes fulltime 12 credit minimum). Once students are not in status, or are placed on probation or suspension, he/she forfeits the right for on-campus employment. International students must have permission from an International Student Counselor to work on-campus.

International students can work only up to 20 hours/week while school is in session. When classes are not in session (vacation), they may work full time, or 40 hours per week.

On-campus employment is defined as being on the school’s premises or at a location which is educationally affiliated to the school (for example Dunkin’ Donuts or the sub shop in the cafeteria).

In order to find a job on campus, please visit The Office of Career Development in C-100 There, you can seek advice on where to look for a job, and you can pick up the F-1 International On Campus Request Form. Once you have the form, come to the International Student Center to see an International Student Counselor (either Prof. Kyi or Ms. Nestmann) to sign your form, and to give you authorization to begin to look for a job. Once you find a job, your supervisor must give you a letter of employment that must contain the employer’s EIN number, your position, and how many hours per week you will be working. F-1 students are NOT to accept any type of employment without first consulting with an International Student Counselor. 

The International Student Counselor will then provide you with a letter to bring to the Social Security Office in Hackensack, so that you may obtain your Social Security Number. Students can start to work before they receive their social security card. The student must bring their receipt that they will receive from Social Security, and turn it in to C-100.

Please note that once you have graduated from BCC, you can no longer work on campus, unless you are in the process of transferring to a four year university the next semester.

Off Campus Options:

·        CPT-Curricular Practical Training (CO-OP)  

Student is requesting to work in his or her field of study while completing the requirements, through CO-Operative Education (CO-OP). With CO-OP, you will be working, and receiving credit, at the same time. CO-OP must be part of your COOP Majors Page) CO-OP allows you to work part-time. You may only do two CO-OP’s during the course of your Associate’s Degree at BCC.

Process:

·        Go to CO-OP Office, speak with CO-OP staff in Room C-100

·        Have International Student Counselor sign your CO-OP sheet

·        Find a job through CO-OP

·        Register for CO-OP, and go to the International Student Center for a second signature, with your letter of hire/employment from your supervisor. At that time, The Counselor will give you a letter to go to the Social Security Office, should you need a social security number. The Counselor will also enter your CO-OP (CPT) on your I-20, which will appear on the third page of your I-20, that you must also bring to the social security office.

Is CPT part-time or full-time?

A student may engage in part–time (20 hours a week) Curricular Practical Training at BCC.

Will CPT affect my eligibility for Post-Completion OPT?

No, not at BCC. 

·   Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Post-Completion OPT

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training, or “OPT”, is off-campus work authorization in your field of study.  If granted by USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) the authorization is for 12 months and 40 hours per week (full time).

Pre-Completion OPT?

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training is for students who have not yet met the requirements to complete their degree, but would like authorization to work in their field of study.  Authorization is granted on a part-time basis (20 hours per week) while school is in session.   The student may work full time (40 hours per week) during official University breaks only.   Students can apply for pre-completion OPT only for one semester at a time. Any pre-completion OPT used, counts against your time available for post completion OPT.

The student is required to have been in F-1 status for at least one academic year before applying for Post-Completion, Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training, or CPT (CO-OP).

How do I know if I am eligible for OPT?

Practical Training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year. 

Who should apply for Post-Completion OPT?

Students who are planning to complete their studies in the current semester.

When should I apply for Post-Completion OPT?

You must apply for Post-Completion OPT 60-90 days before you complete your studies.  

How do I choose my Post-Completion OPT dates?

USCIS allows you to begin working up to 60 days after your completion date. The earliest start date you can choose is your date of graduation, and the latest start date you may choose is 60 days after the last day of classes. 

How long will it take to get my card?

It may take USCIS as long as 3 months to send you the Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).  If you have not received the card after 91 days, please contact an International Student Counselor. 

Can I check on my application myself?

Yes, you can. As soon as the International Student Counselor has received your 797 receipt from USCIS, she will email you the receipt number and the website to track your own application. If you have chosen to follow your OPT application yourself, then you can do the same once your receive the 797.

What if I find a job before my card arrives?

YOU MAY NOT BEGIN WORKING UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR CARD AND THE START DATE ON YOUR CARD HAS ARRIVED.

What if I move while I am on OPT?

You are required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to notify the International Student Center in room A-126 within 10 days of your move.

Where can I work once I get my EAD card?

Student may work anywhere in the USA for the duration of their OPT. Please note that once you receive your EAD card, you should make an appointment with an International Student Counselor to receive information and a letter for your Social Security number.

What if I would like to TRAVEL after I have applied for OPT?

Because your recommendation for OPT will be clearly stated on page 3 of your I-20, you will be asked by an Immigration Official to produce your Employment Authorization Card upon entry of the United States.  You will also be asked to show a letter stating that you have secured employment in the USA, and you are returning to resume employment.   We strongly recommend that you travel outside of the US only if you have a job in the US to return to.  Travel with your OPT card, as well as all other immigration documents.  (Your OPT card states that it is not valid for entry to the US.  Don’t panic! This means that the OPT card alone is not enough to enter the country, you need all immigration documents.)

If you chose to travel outside the U.S. while on OPT, make sure you have the following documents:

• EAD Card

• Current SEVIS I-20 with travel signature on page 3 that is less than 6 months old!  It is very important that your OPT I-20 has been signed by a DSO less than 6 months before the date you plan on re-entering the U.S.

• Letter from your employer stating that you are re-entering the U.S. to resume employment.  It is also helpful to bring with you any pay stubs as additional proof that you have secured a job.

What do I do when my Post-Completion OPT ends?

USCIS states that you have 60 days from the end date of the authorized Post-Completion OPT period to:

• Be in the process of changing to another immigration status.

• Have an I-20 for the next upcoming semester to begin a new academic program at a four year institution/university.

• Leave the United States.

  *Please note that your OPT cannot be extended. Only those in certain majors, with a Bachelor's Degree or higher, may extend their OPT priviledges.

After I have gathered all materials needed for the application, what do I do?

Bring in all of the documents listed on the OPT Process Page to an International Student Counselor.  We will process the paperwork, create a new I-20 for you, and send it certified mail to USCIS. 

What if I decide to go on for my Bachelor’s degree once I’m on OPT?

Authorization to engage in practical training employment is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level. This does not harm your immigration status in any way.

Am I on a working visa once I am on OPT?

No! You are still considered to be in F-1 student status during your period of employment. Therefore, you must not lose your I-20, you must keep your address up to date, and you must have your I-20 signed by a DSO if you plan to travel.

OPT Application Process:

1.      Visit http://www.bergen.edu/pages/2954.asp to learn more about OPT, and go to a group presentation on OPT offered every semester. Then, make an initial appointment with an International Counselor 2-3 months before graduation with (Prof. Kyi or Ms. Nestmann). The OPT packet is available online. You CANNOT apply for OPT if you are in a general major!

2. Assemble the following:

·         Fill out form I-765 (c), (3), (b) http://www.bergen.edu/pages/2974.asp (if you would like an international counselor to manage your OPT application, then on the line called “other names” underneath the applicant’s name, write c/o Annique Nestmann DSO or Win Win Kyi PDSO, and put BCC’s address, not your home address.)

·         Get two passport pictures taken, face frontal view, and write your name and SEVIS number on the back of each photo (the number in the top right corner of your I-20)

·         Make out a check or get a money order for $340 made out to United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). Note that this check is non-refundable, and make sure you always have enough money in your account to cover it!

·         A copy of your passport (biographical/picture page, and visa page)

·         A copy of your I-94 (front and back)

·         A letter from you, describing what you would like to do, and how this is directly related to your major at BCC, and how this will help you gain experience before returning to your home country.

·         A copy of your I-20 (if you have more than one, copy them all, ALL THREE PAGES)

·         Optional - Get letter from employer (this is optional, but suggested. On letterhead, have employer describe job description, period of employment, and have employer sign.)

2.      Make another appointment with an International Counselor, at LEAST 60 days before your graduation date. We will write a letter of support for your application to endorse it, and prepare other documents as necessary, including a new I-20. Once you sign your new I-20, we will then send your application to USCIS in Vermont, via certified mail. If you would like an International Counselor to manage our application, we can. You can also manage it on your own instead, it is your choice. Be sure to mark this on your I-765.

3.      Wait to hear from USCIS, to receive your EAD card, at your home address, or at BCC if you are having an International Counselor handle your OPT application. If an international counselor is managing your application, she will email you once she receives a notice of action from USCIS. You may check your status online at http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf with the receipt number on the 797-notice of receipt/action. If you choose to manage your application on your own, when your EAD card arrives, be sure to see an International Counselor immediately, as we need a copy of your card, for your immigration folder at the International Student Center.

• Severe Economic Hardship

Student is requesting to work off-campus, due to severe economic hardship.

Process:

• Make an appointment with an International Student Counselor

• Get a letter from your sponsor, indicating the need for you to work, your sponsor must prove “severe economic hardship” to USCIS.

• Student writes a letter indicating his/her cost of living, education, transportation etc. in detail, proving how the off-camps work will assist him/her financially so that the student can continue his/her study at BCC. Student also compiles application.

• Student waits for work authorization card from USCIS. Student can start working only AFTER he/she receives this card.

• With this card, the student can then come to A-126 to get a letter from an International Student Counselor, to then go to the Social Security office to receive a social security card/number.