Current Students
F and J international students must always be authorized to work off campus. This includes paid and unpaid work that can be considered training related to their field of study.
Hiring a Current F-1 Student
F-1 international students have a few authorization options for off-campus employment, but the most commonly used authorization is Curricular Practical Training. This work authorization is authorized by the University’s International Student Services (ISS) office in conjunction with the student’s academic program. CPT is a benefit of the F-1 status and does not require processing or sponsorship by the employer. The employer is only required to provide a job offer letter. If approved for CPT, the student will receive an updated immigration document (I-20) which will serve as their proof of work authorization.
Hiring a Current J-1 Student
J-1 international students can be authorized to work off campus through Academic Training work authorization. This work authorization is authorized by the University’s International Student Services (ISS) office in conjunction with the student’s academic program. Academic Training is a benefit of the J-1 status and does not require processing or sponsorship by the employer. The employer is only required to provide a job offer letter. If approved for Academic Training, the student will receive an updated immigration document (DS-2019) and letter of authorization which will serve as their proof of work authorization.
Alumni
To employ an F or J international student after graduation, the student must obtain post-graduation employment authorization. Students cannot work or volunteer after graduation until authorized.
Hiring F-1 Alumni (OPT)
F-1 students can be authorized for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) which can be used for positions in their field of study. This includes paid and unpaid work. When approved for OPT, students receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card which serves as their proof of employment eligibility. Students cannot work until they have received the EAD card and reached the start date listed on it.
Hiring F-1 Alumni (STEM OPT)
F-1 students can be authorized for STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) which can be used for positions in their field of study. When approved for STEM OPT, students receive a new EAD card which serves as their proof of employment eligibility. Because processing time for the STEM EAD card can exceed the original OPT authorization period, USCIS grants an automatic 180-day work authorization extension when filing for STEM OPT. The student’s receipt notice (Form I-797) is proof of this extension.
To hire a student under STEM OPT, the employer must:
- be E-verified
- complete Form I-983 training plan with the student
- pay the student and employ them for at least 20 hours a week
STEM OPT does not require sponsorship by the employer and is a benefit of the F-1 status. However, the employer is obligated to provide a training plan at the time of hiring. Additionally, the employer must provide an annual evaluation and final evaluation at the time the student ends STEM OPT or ends employment with the employer.
Hiring J-1 Alumni
J-1 students can be authorized for Post-completion Academic Training (OPT) which can be used for positions in their field of study. Academic Training is a work authorization processed and approved by the ISS office. The student’s immigration document (DS-2019) will be extended and updated to reflect the employment details.
Employer Responsibilities
Because F and J visa holders are usually eligible for work authorizations under their student status, employers should not need to sponsor a student for employment. Oftentimes, the only responsibility of the employer is to provide an offer letter or, in the case of STEM OPT, a training plan through Form I-983. Hiring an F or J international student should be a simple process.
If you have any questions about how to hire an international student, please reach out to our office.