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 from the United States Customs and Immigration Services for Optional Practical Training (OPT), for Severe Economic Hardship, and for on-campus employment.

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, you must find it yourself. There are several departments that have hired international students in the past. It is recommended that you create a resume of your qualificiations before your inquire about employment around campus. For help with creating a resume, please visit The Career Services Office in C-100.

Once you find a job, make an appointment with an International Student Counselor (either Prof. Kyi or Ms. Nestmann) and bring your letter of employment from the department that hired you. That letter must contain the employer’s EIN number. You can make an appointment by calling (201) 447-7211/7212. 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. However, the student can only be paid for their work after the social security number/card has been issued.

Please note that once you have graduated from BCC, you can no longer work on campus.

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 class in your major (available most majors)

·        Go to the Counseling Office and submit your CO-OP form for your second signature, along with your letter of hire from your employer. You will be contacted by an International Student Counselor to make an appointment to come in and sign your new I-20, and given instructions on how to get your social security number.

Is CPT part-time or full-time?

A student may engage in part–time (20 hours a week) or full – time (21 - 40 hours a week) Curricular Practical Training.

Will CPT affect my eligibility for Post-Completion OPT?

If you engage in 12 months of full-time CPT, you will be ineligible for Optional Practical Training.  Engaging in less than 12 months of full time CPT will not affect your Post Completion OPT. 

·        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 or Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training.

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.  Note: A student who completed 12 months or more of full time CPT is not eligible for OPT. The student must have a specific major at BCC, general degrees do not qualify for OPT.

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. If you are completing your degree requirements in Spring 2006, the earliest start date you can choose is your date of graduation, and the latest start date you may choose is 60 days after your date of graduation.  If you choose May 13, 2006 as your start date, your end date will be May 12, 2007, respectively. 

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 received the “Notification Form”, the counselor will email you to give you the website and your file number in order to track your own application.

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 engaging in OPT?

You are required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to notify registration in Room A-129, and to send in a form available in the Counseling Center Room A-118. 

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.) You may wish to bring copies of a pay check from your employer as evidence of your employment, as well as a letter of hire/employment.

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.

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.