Employment Workshop Information on On-campus Employment, CPT, OPT, the Cap- Gap Extension and Academic Training
Topics This presentation will cover: • On-Campus Employment • CPT • OPT – Pre-Completion – Post-Completion • Cap-Gap extension • Academic Training for J-1 Students 1
On-Campus Employment • If you are an F-1 or J-1 student, you are generally allowed to work on campus if: – You are currently in valid F-1 or J-1 student status and in good academic standing – You are enrolled in a full course of study, except during summer and winter breaks – You must maintain employment eligibility • What constitutes “On - Campus” employment? – Work on the school campus (like the library or dining hall) – Work on the campus, with a on-campus commercial firm (like Barnes and Noble bookstore) – Work at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school • Note that the employment must be an integral part of your program, and the employer must be contractually affiliated with the University of Delaware. 2
Restrictions for On-Campus Employment • On-Campus employment is restricted to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and 40 hours per week while school is out of session (during breaks) • You must meet the basic requirements previously mentioned 3
How to find jobs and apply • We recommend going to the career services center, which usually has a current list of campus jobs • You can go to an on-campus location and ask in person if there is availability • When you find a job, fill out an “ On-Campus Employment Eligibility Certification ” form and submit to OISS • OISS will review your case and decide whether you are eligible for this on-campus opportunity. CONTACT OISS BEFORE YOU ACCEPT EMPLOYMENT ANYWHERE! We will help you stay legal! 4
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) • The keyword is curricular – The training you take must be required for a specific course or your dissertation • Generally, students who take CPT are: – Gathering research data for a paper or project – Doing on-location practicum work (such as student-teaching or obtaining “real - life” experience as part of the curriculum) • CPT is authorized for one semester at a time 5
Eligibility • You may be eligible to apply for CPT if: – Your training is required by a course you are currently registered for (in the semester during which you are training) – You have a signed offer letter that details the work you will be doing and how it applies to your curricular goals – You have a completed application, signed by your advisor and if you are a graduate student, the graduate office. • In addition, you must: – Have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year (some exceptions) – Continue to be enrolled full-time during the CPT 6
Restrictions • CPT is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session; you may be approved for more than 20 hours while school is out of session • CPT is not available to English Language students (undergrads and grads only) • CPT is not approved for students who have received a permanent position • An important note: 12 months of full-time CPT make you ineligible for post-completion OPT in the future 7
How to Apply • Fill out the CPT application form completely • Register in the appropriate course that satisfies an academic core or elective requirement . – (3 credits in fall and spring semesters; 1 credit is required in winter and summer sessions). – Students on Sustaining status must provide proof that the CPT is required to complete their Thesis/Dissertation. • Acquire a letter from the company indicating the: – Description and responsibilities of the appointment – Exact address of the location of the CPT appointment – Dates of appointment – Hours per week • Graduate Students must submit all of the above forms to the Office of Graduate & Professional Education for review and signature at least one week before the first day of the start of CPT. • OISS must approve the application for CPT no later than 4:00 pm on the last day of free drop/add in any semester or term (no exceptions permitted). 8
Filling out the CPT Form • You are responsible for making sure that your advisor completes the form completely and correctly, and for obtaining the proper authorization 9
Optional Practical Training (OPT) • The keyword is optional • Students who engage in OPT generally: – Are close to graduation or have graduated – Have been offered a position working in their field • A job offer is not required to apply, but there are restrictions on unemployment • Requires USCIS authorization • Pre-Completion OPT occurs before you have graduated • Post-Completion OPT occurs after you have graduated • 12 month maximum for full time OPT; part-time OPT is deducted at half the rate 10
Eligibility • To be eligible for OPT, students must meet the following conditions (in addition to the basic requirements aforementioned): – Must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a DHS-approved school for one full academic year. – Employment must be related to your major field of study – Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for OPT. – Must be authorized by USCIS prior to employment (must have EAD card in hand) 11
Pre-Completion OPT • Employment must be part-time if you are still enrolled in coursework, and coursework must be taken full-time while school is in session. • Employment can be full-time during official breaks or if you have completed your coursework 12
How to apply for OPT To apply, you must gather the following documents: • A recommendation form signed by your academic advisor and, for graduate student, the Office of Graduate & professional Education. • Completed Form I-765 and Form G-1145 .(Please Read the instruction before printing or filling the form) Note: use OISS address on the I-765 form: c/o OISS, 413 Academy St. Room 151, Newark, DE 19716 • Copies of all Form I-20's page 1 and 3 (including I-20's from other institutions), passport, visa and your I-94 card (back and front). • A personal check or money order for $380 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security . • Two U.S. passport type photos. • Employment letter (if offer has been made). After you have all of the above , call (302)831-2115 to schedule an appointment with your immigration advisor. 13
A few notes on gathering your documents • Make sure your copies are clear, legible, and complete. Even if you make an appointment, you will not be seen if you do not have all of the appropriate copies • Make sure your photos are 2”x2”, and high -quality. We recommend the Camera Shop or UPS (both on Main street) • Do not wear a white shirt for your photo • If your packet is incomplete, USCIS will request additional documents or clearer documents, and the process will be delayed. 14
Special notes on Pre-OPT • You will select an OPT start and end date • The application process with USCIS generally takes about 90 days • You may not work until you receive your EAD card 15
Special notes on Post-Completion OPT • You will select an OPT start date – The application for Post-completion OPT definitively sets your graduation date. If you do not graduate on time, you will lose any time which has passed between the anticipated and actual graduation dates. – You can apply at most 90 days before and 60 days after your graduation date. USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days after your graduation date. • The application process with USCIS generally takes about 90 days • You may not work until you receive your EAD card • After you have graduated, you will be cleared to come to OISS and pick up your card • Working without an EAD card in your possession is a violation of your F-1 status 16
OPT STEM Extension • Who is eligible? – Students with I-20s in authorized STEM majors – Check your major with the STEM CIP code list. If the major on your I-20 is not found on this list, you do not qualify for a STEM extension. Contact OISS with any questions. • What is the extension, and is it automatic? – The STEM extension grants an additional 17 months to students in STEM fields who are employed with an E-verified employer – The extension is not automatic. You must apply at OISS before your employment authorization period ends 17
How to apply for a STEM extension If you think you qualify for a STEM extension, you must provide the following: • A copy of your diploma or graduation certificate • Completed Form I-765 and Form G-1145 .(Please Read the instruction before printing or filling the form) – Please note that this form will ask for your employer’s E-verify number Note: use OISS address on the I-765 form: c/o OISS, 413 Academy St. Room 151, Newark, DE 19716 • Copies of ALL Form I-20's page 1 and 3 (including I-20's from other institutions), passport, visa and your I-94 card (back and front). • Copies of all your EAD cards • A personal check or money order for $380 made payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security . • Two passport type photos (see the guidelines) • Employment letter • Pre-paid mailing label (if you submitted the documents by mail) or eship request Note: If you do not provide a mailing label, OISS will send your documents back to you via regular mail 18
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