Employment

• F-1 Employment Options

  "Employment" is work performed in exchange for compensation. Compensation can include money, room and board, or other significant benefits. Before accepting any kind of employment, be sure it is allowed by the F-1 regulations. Note that the off-campus employment opportunities generally require you to have completed one academic year (three quarters) to be eligible to apply for authorization. Consult the IPE adviser with any questions related to F-1 status and employment.

  F-1 status allows the following five categories of employment:

  • On-campus Employment

    Your F-1 student status permits you to work part-time on campus (19 hours per week or less) while enrolled in a full course of study, and full-time (more than 20 hours per week) between quarters and during your annual vacation quarter, provided you have an I-20 issued by WWU and are in good academic standing. On-campus employment must not displace a United States resident.
    
    

    On-campus employment includes:

    • Employment for WWU (for example, as a teaching or research assistant, or in the library)
    • Work performed on-campus for a commercial firm providing direct services to students (for example, Dining Services).
    • Employment at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with WWU. The educational affiliation must be associated with your academic department 's established curriculum and be an integral part of your educational program
    • On-campus employment is not permitted after you complete your studies. If you are transferring schools, you may work on-campus only at the school with current access to your SEVIS record

     

  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

    Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an internship, practicum, or work that is directly related to your field of study and is part of the established curriculum. You may earn academic credit for the work, and it may be paid or unpaid. CPT is authorized by the IPE advisor and your academic advisor. CPT may be authorized at either a part-time rate (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time rate (20-40 hours per week). Part-time training must be undertaken concurrent with a full course of study. Students who are authorized for one year or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training lose their eligibility for Optional Practical Training after graduation.
    
    

    Eligibility:

    • Students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year (generally nine months) at a DHS-approved school and who are maintaining status at the time of application
    • Students in English Language training programs are not eligible for practical training

     

    CPT can be used:

    • Once you attain eligible status and only before completion of studies
    • After you receive a written offer of employment showing the name and address of the employer, job description, and the dates of the contract
    • After the CPT is approved by the academic advisor and authorized by the IPE advisor on the I-20

     

    You should apply for CPT as soon as you learn about an internship or practicum that is an integral part of the established curriculum directly related to the course of study.
    
    

    Application Procedure:

    • Find an internship or offer of employment related to the field of study and receive a letter from the prospective employer indicating the job title, dates of employment, number of hours of work per week, place of employment, and a brief description of the work. Check with International Programs & Exchanges for an employment letter template if necessary.

     

    • Obtain the following forms from the International Programs & Exchanges: CPT Information Handout, and Academic Advisor Certification Form.

    • Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the internship/employment and show him/her the offer letter. Have the academic advisor fill out and sign the Certification Form.

     

    • Make an appointment with the IPE advisor so you can finalize the CPT application. Bring the I-20, the job offer letter, and Academic Advisor Certification Form.

    If you qualify for CPT the IPE advisor will issue you a new Form I-20 endorsed on page 3 with details of your CPT employment. Do not begin working until you receive your I-20 endorsed for CPT. Be careful to comply with the restrictions on your employment as stipulated in the endorsement. Your endorsed I-20, together with your passport and I-94 card, is evidence of your eligibility to work and may be used to complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 that all U.S. employers are required to complete.
    
    

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT)

    Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 students with an opportunity for hands-on work experience (work authorization) related to the academic field of study.
    
    

    You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

    • You are currently in F-1 status.
    • You have been enrolled in a full course of study for one academic year (three quarters, including final exams weeks) or will complete one academic year by the date the OPT approval begins.
    • You have not exceeded 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization. (Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.)

     

    You are eligible for 12 months of full-time OPT per academic level. For example, you may apply for 12 months of OPT after completing a bachelor's degree and then another 12 months after completing a master's degree. You may apply for OPT authorization during your academic program, after your program completion, or a combination of both. An additional 17-month extension may be possible depending on your field of study.
    
    

    OPT authorization that begins after completion of your academic program is called “post-completion” OPT. This is the most common type of OPT. Post-completion OPT is full-time, and it can begin:

    • After you complete your degree or exchange program
    • After you complete all course requirements for your degree, excluding thesis or equivalent

    OPT used while you are a student is called "pre-completion" OPT. Pre-completion OPT is very uncommon. Usually current students are eligible for alternate employment authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training. Because pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT eligibility, most students prefer to save OPT for after program completion.
    
    

    While approved for OPT, you are still in F-1 status and must report address changes and employment information to the IPE advisors.
    
    

    12 months of OPT: How to Apply

    Apply early! Allow three months for processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), plus additional time for obtaining your academic advisor's signature on the OPT certification form, IPE processing, and mailing to USCIS. You cannot work until you receive OPT approval.
    
    

    You may submit your application to USCIS as early as 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after your program end date. (Your program end date is the last day of your final quarter, including final exams week, according to the academic calendar.)

    IPE strongly encourages you to apply for OPT three months prior to your program end date. Though USCIS will accept your application up to 60 days after your program end date, you cannot begin work until the application is approved. A delayed application may result in delayed work authorization and/or loss of full OPT eligibility (12 months) due to the three-month processing time by USCIS.
    
    

    Contact the IPE advisor for details and forms for applying for OPT.
    
    

    17-month STEM Extension of OPT: How to Apply

    You are eligible to apply for a 17-month OPT extension, beyond the initial 12 months of OPT, if you meet all of the following conditions:

    • You are currently approved for post-completion OPT.
    • You completed a bachelor's or master's  in a science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) field. Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Eligible degrees are listed by their Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. Your degree's CIP code is listed on the "primary major" line in the top left corner on the third page of your I-20.
    • You have a job or job offer from an E-Verify employer.

     

    Apply before your current EAD expires. USCIS recommends you apply up to 90 days before your OPT expiration. You can continue to work for up to 180 days while the application is pending.

    Contact the IPE advisor for details and forms for applying for 17-month STEM Extension of OPT.
    
    

    After OPT Approval
    
    

    Limits on Periods of Unemployment

    Between the start and end date of your post-completion OPT authorization (the dates on your EAD), you cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days. If you received a 17-month STEM extension, you are allowed an additional 30 days of unemployment for a total of 120 days. Each day (including weekends) that you do not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. There is no grace period after 90/120 days of unemployment. To avoid violating status, Immigration recommends that prior to reaching the unemployment limit, you should prepare to transfer to another school, change education level, depart the U.S., or change to a different immigration status.

    
    Reporting Requirements to IPE

    
    Address changes and legal name changes must be reported to the IPE advisor by email within 10 days. Keep documentation of your OPT employment history for your own records. You may need it for future benefits applications. Employment information must also be reported to the IPE advisor. Email the adviser with the following information:

    • Name of employer
    • Start date of employment
    • Mailing address of employer
    • Change of employer, with end and start dates of employment
    • Decision to exit the U.S. and complete F-1 status prior to OPT expiration date (if applicable)
    • Your current residential address

     

    If you are currently approved for a STEM extension, these updates must be reported within 10 days of the change.
    
    

    Employment Allowed While On OPT

    
    You may accept any job that is related to your field of study and commensurate with your level of education. You should be employed at least 20 hours per week. During the 12-month OPT period, this may include:

    • Multiple employers: you may work for more than one employer, but all employment must relate to your degree program.
    • Short-term multiple employers (performing artists): musicians and other performing artists may work for mutiple short-term employers (gigs). Keep a list of all positions, dates, and duration.
    • Work for hire: contract employment.
    • Self-employment: you may start a business and be self-employed. You must have a business license and document your active engagement in business related to your degree.
    • Employment through an agency or consulting firm: Keep documentation of working an average of 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
    • Volunteer service: you may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, as long as this does not violate any labor laws. This volunteer service counts as employment for purposes of maintaining F-1 status.

     

    17-month STEM extension-approved students: you must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to your STEM degree.  Employment may include:

    • Multiple employers: you may work for more than one employer, but all employment must relate to your degree program and each employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
    • Work for hire: contract employment. The company for whom you are providing services must be registered with E-Verify.
    • Self-employment: you may start a business and be self-employed. You must register your business with E-Verify and work full time. You must have a business license and document your active engagement in business related to your degree.
    • Employment through an agency or consulting firm: you may be employed by an employment agency or consulting firm. The employment agency or consulting firm must be registered with E-Verify, but the third parties contracting with the agency of firm (for which you are providing services) need not be registered with E-Verify.
    • Volunteer service: you may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, as long as this does not violate any labor laws. This volunteer service counts as employment for purposes of maintaining F-1 status.

     

    Money Matters

    
    You will need a Social Security number in order to receive payment from your employer. In general, as an F-1 student you will be exempt from Social Security (FICA) taxes for your first five years in the U.S., as long as you continue to declare nonresident status for tax purposes. Unless you qualify under a tax treaty between the U.S. and your home government, your earnings as an F-1 student will be subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes, and employers are required to withhold those taxes from your paychecks. For more information on taxes, consult the Internal Revenue Service.

    
    Health Insurance

    
    Medical insurance is an extremely important consideration while you are on OPT. If you are not insured through your employer, you should purchase an individual plan. For more information about plan options, visit our health insurance page.

    
    Travel and OPT

    
    If your pre-completion OPT application is pending or approved, you may travel and reenter the U.S.

    If your post-completion OPT application is pending, you may travel and re-enter the U.S.

    After graduation, if your post-completion OPT has been approved and your EAD issued, you may not re-enter the U.S. unless you have evidence of employment. You should carry the following documents with you:

    • I-20 signed for travel by an international student adviser within the last 6 months
    • EAD card
    • Valid passport
    • Unexpired F-1 visa (unless returning from a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean)
    • Evidence of employment in your field of study (letter of employment, written job offer)

     

    Once the approved period of OPT has begun, time spent outside the U.S. will count as unemployment against the 90/120-day limits. Travel while employed either during a vacation authorized by an employer or as part of your employment will not count as unemployment.

    
    Study While On OPT

    
    While approved for OPT you may take recreational courses, but if you begin a new degree program, your OPT is automatically terminated. 

    
    Grace Period

    
    Students who do not exceed 90/120 days of unemployment and report employment to the IPE as required are automatically granted a 60-day grace period after the end date listed on the EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Within this 60-day grace period, you have the following options:

    • Depart the U.S. Once you leave the U.S. (including trips to Canada and Mexico) after completing your studies and OPT period, you are not eligible to reenter with your current I-20. The grace period is meant for travel within and preparation to depart the U.S.
    • Request a new I-20 if you will continue at WWU in a new degree program. If you are an undergraduate and will begin graduate studies, your new I-20 will be issued by Graduate Admissions.
    • Transfer your SEVIS record to a new school.
    • Apply to change status to another visa category.

  • Severe Economic Hardship Employment

    If you are suffering a severe economic hardship due to unforeseen changes in your financial circumstances, you may apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for authorization to work off-campus. You must have been in F-1 status for one academic year, be in good academic standing, and document that on-campus employment opportunities are unavailable or insufficient to meet your financial needs. Examples of unforeseen circumstances include loss of financial support or on-campus employment, substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate, inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs, unexpected changes in the financial condition of your source of support, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses.
    
    

    Contact the IPE advisor to discuss your situation before you complete the required documentation. The advisor will determine your eligibility and assist you in completing the application and submitting it to USCIS.

    
    Application processing times vary between two to four months. If approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) for a maximum of one year. Do not begin working until you receive the EAD. If approved, you may work for any employer up to 20 hours per week while enrolled in a full course of study and full-time during quarter breaks and your annual vacation quarter. This employment does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Employment authorization is automatically terminated if you fail to maintain status or transfer to another school.

  • Employment with International Organizations

    As an F-1 student, you may work for a qualified international organization, as defined by the International Organization Immunities Act of December 29, 1945. If you have an offer from an employer on the List of International Organizations, you may apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

    
    Contact the IPE advisor to discuss your situation before you complete the required documentation. The advisor will determine your eligibility and assist you in completing and submitting the application to USCIS.

    
    Application processing times vary between two to four months. If approved, USCIS will issue an EAD for a maximum of one year. Do not begin working until you receive the EAD. You may work part-time or full-time but must maintain a full course of study in F-1 status during your employment. This employment does not affect your eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Employment authorization is automatically terminated if you fail to maintain status or transfer to another school.

   

   

• J-1 and J-2 Employment

  J-1 Students

  The following employment options are available provided you are in good academic standing and are enrolled in a full course of study except for official school breaks and the annual vacation quarter. You must receive employment authorization in advance by notifying the IPE advisor of your job offer. If your program sponsor is not WWU, but an outside agency (like ISEP), you will need to obtain employment authorization from that agency.

  
  

  On-campus employment

  • Employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship
  • Employment on the premises of the school you are authorized to attend (WWU)

  Employment must total no more than 20 hours per week, except during school breaks and the annual vacation quarter. Your on-campus employment must be authorized in advance. The employment can be authorized up to 12 months at a time. Notify the IPE advisor, who will update your SEVIS record. The SEVIS record update is the authorization. Email the IPE advisor with the following information:

  • Employer name (WWU hiring department)
  • Employer address
  • Number of hours per week
  • Employment start and end date
  • Whether or not the employment relates to a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship, or if it simply occurs on the WWU campus

  
  Off-campus employment

  Employment that is necessary because of serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances that have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status. Employment on account of economic circumstances may be authorized up to a maximum of 12 months at a time. Employment must total no more than 20 hours per week, except during school breaks and the annual vacation quarter. Schedule an appointment with the IPE advisor to discuss eligibility and receive authorization for the employment.

  
  Academic Training

  Academic Training is work related to your field of study and may be paid or unpaid. You may be authorized to participate in Academic Training during your studies or commencing not later than 30 days after completion of studies. Employment for Academic Training has an overall limit of 18 months, which includes training both before and after completion of studies. However, the total training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in the full course of study. All Academic Training is counted as full-time, even if employment is on a part-time basis.

  To apply for Academic Training you must obtain both an offer of employment and a written recommendation from your academic adviser and submit to the IPE advisor. Contact the IPE advisor for details on applying for Academic Training.

   

  J-2 Dependents

  Dependents in J-2 status may request employment authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Income from the J-2's employment may be used to support the family's customary recreational and cultural activities and related travel, among other things. Employment will not be authorized if the income is needed to support the J-1. Employment may be authorized up to twelve months, and may be renewed annually.

  
  The application for employment authorization may take up to 90 days to be processed. If approved, the J-2 will be issued an employment authorization card. The card will have an expiration date, and may be renewed annually. During the period of authorized employment the J-2 may accept any kind of employment, full-time or part-time. The J-2's employment authorization is valid only while the J-1 is maintaining status.

  
  To apply for an employment authorization document (EAD), contact the IPE advisor for more details.