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 offer 3.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 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 critical Attend one of the weekly OPT Sessions Don’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: Optional Practical Training Timing is critical

Timing for OPT Graduation Date December May August Other dates Begin Process September January May Allow 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 ●Travel is not recommended between graduation and starting work – unless you have an appointment letter

Overseas Travel Re-entry requires: Valid Passport Valid Visa I-20, signed for travel EAD Card

Next Steps ●Complete forms ●Gather information ●Make an appointment for OPT Intake: Call ●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!!