Employment Authorization

….don’t leave campus without it!

Necessary AND Painless

International Students MAY work in the US

● For up to 20 hours on campus● For up to 20 hours off-campus (sometimes

more)● After graduation

….but not without AUTHORIZATION!!

Rules, rules, rules

Want to work on campus? Get work authorization from OIS

Want to work off campus? Get work authorization from OIS

Want to work after graduation? Get work authorization from OIS

Every rule has its interpretation. Whatever you do, please double check with an OIS adviser to make sure you’re legal.

Which authorization do I need?CPT

● Pre-graduation● Short processing

time● Must have job offer

in hand● No charge● Can be for credit● Easy application

OPT● Post-graduation● 3-4 months to

process● No offer necessary

to apply● $100 charge ● No need for credit● “Busy” application

CPT Procedures

1. Meet with your academic adviser; identify academic requirements; get job search assistance

2. Obtain written job offer3. Obtain letter from academic

adviser, stating course number connected with work, how work contributes to course requirements, details of job (dates, location, hours)

CPT Procedures (continued)

4. Bring I-20, passport, job letter and adviser letter to OIS

5. Complete form I-538, Section A, at OIS

6. Allow 1-week for processing

Other Things to be Aware of

If you have questions, speak to or e-mail a foreign student adviser.You DON’T need CPT if you are working on campus, not seeking credit and all jobs combined are less than 20 hours.You DON’T need CPT if you are a volunteer – just make sure you don’t accept any form of payment.

Limits?

Anything over 20 hours is considered FT, and subject to a limit of 12 months (stop working at 11.5!)

No limits for under 20 hours per week

You will be subject to taxes

Other Things to be Aware of

Timing is criticalAttend one of the weekly OPT

SessionsDon’t do this on your own: OIS will

guide you

Weekly Sessions

● Fridays, 10:30, at Career Development Center

● Sign up in advance by clicking on: www.indiana.edu/~intlcent Optional Practical Training

• Timing is critical

Timing for OPT

Graduation Date

DecemberMayAugustOther dates

Begin Process

SeptemberJanuaryMayAllow 4 months

OPT Checklist

Form I-538● Form I-765● Signature Card● 2 Photos● ORIGINAL I-20’s● Copy Name/Photo page from Passport● Copy of any previous EAD cards● Copy of I-94 card● Advisor’s Memo● $100

Timing

Course Completion

● December 14, 2001● May 3, 2002● Masters ● PhD

Latest Start Date

● Feb. 12, 2002● July 1, 2002● 60 days from thesis● 60 days from

dissertation – or sooner

OPT Checklist

Form I-538 Form I-765● Signature Card● 2 Photos● ORIGINAL I-20’s● Copy Name/Photo page from Passport● Copy of any previous EAD cards● Copy of I-94 card● Advisor’s Memo● $100

OPT Checklist

Form I-538 Form I-765 Signature Card● 2 Photos● ORIGINAL I-20’s● Copy Name/Photo page from Passport● Copy of any previous EAD cards● Copy of I-94 card● Advisor’s Memo● $100

OPT Checklist

Form I-538 Form I-765 Signature Card 2 Photos● ORIGINAL I-20’s● Copy Name/Photo page from Passport● Copy of any previous EAD cards● Copy of I-94 card● Advisor’s Memo● $100

Photo Guidelines

● Try Franklin Hall 213 ($15)

● Lightly write Name/DOB on back of each

● Enclose in zip lock bag

OPT Checklist

Form I-538 Form I-765 Signature Card 2 Photos ORIGINAL I-20’s Copy Name/Photo page from Passport Copy of any previous EAD cards Copy of I-94 card● Advisor’s Memo● $100

OPT Checklist

Form I-538 Form I-765 Signature Card 2 Photos I-20’s Copy Name/Photo page from Passport Copy of any previous EAD cards Copy of I-94 card Advisor’s Memo $100

Please Note:

● You will be subject to U.S. Taxes● You might want to extend your health

insurance up to 6 months ● You can maintain your IU e-mail● Travel is not recommended between

graduation and starting work – unless you have an appointment letter

Overseas Travel

Re-entry requires:Valid PassportValid VisaI-20, signed for travelEAD Card

Next Steps

● Complete forms● Gather information● Make an appointment for

OPT Intake: Call 855-9086● Find a job!

Job Search Resources

● Your school’s career center● Your academic adviser● Friends and alumni● Career Development Center● Bloomington Workforce Development● Bloomington Volunteer Network● WWW● OIS Jobs-L● Professors● Outside interests

Final Thoughts

● Think positively● Don’t work without authorization● Pay attention to timing● Don’t hesitate to ask for help

GOOD LUCK!!