Cedarville University

http://www.cedarville.edu/academics/internationalprograms/internationalstudents/employment/opt.cfm

Cedarville University

Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training is designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain actual employment experience in your chosen profession for a maximum of 12 months. Students may apply for optional practical training at the following times:

  1. During the annual vacation period if currently enrolled and intending to resume studies after vacation.
  2. While school is in session, but only part-time.
  3. After completion of course requirements for a degree program.
  4. After completion of study or graduation.

A student is not entitled to 12 months of pre-degree practical training and 12 months of post-degree practical training, nor may the student obtain 12 months of practical training for each degree completed. Every two months of part-time practical training counts as one month of full-time practical training.

Requirements

  1. Students must have been in F-1 status at least one full academic year (9 consecutive months).
  2. Student must currently be in F-1 status.
  3. Student must possess a valid passport.
  4. The employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study and must be appropriate for someone having the student's level of education.
  5. For summer optional practical training, the application must be submitted to INS no earlier than 120 days before the completion of studies, and no later than 60 days after the completion date.
  6. A student does not have to have a job in order to apply for post-degree practical training, but keep in mind that any job search undertaken after the start date of the EAD counts as part of the 12 month total.
  7. A student may not begin working until the EAD has been issued, the start date noted on the EAD has passed and the student has completed all requirements of the program of study. If a student has obtained an EAD and does not fulfill the program requirements by the expected date, he may not begin employment, and any additional terms of study required to complete those requirements will be subtracted from the 12-month total.
  8. A student may not leave the U.S. after graduation and before applying for Practical Training or he surrenders all rights to post-completion Practical Training.

Application Procedures

Step 1

  1. Obtain INS Form I-538 and Form I-765 from the International Study Advisor.
  2. Request letter from your academic advisor on University letterhead verifying your major, graduation date, and a statement recommending you for this type of experience (see sample letter).
  3. Obtain two 2" X 2" photographs, passport style.
  4. Obtain money order, cashier check or personal check for $175 payable to the USCIS/INS.
  5. Bringing the following to the International Student Advisor no more than 120 days before your completion date. Note that it takes at least 90 days for USCIS to process the paperwork. You cannot apply after you complete your degree requirements:
    • $175 money order, cashier's check, or personal check
    • The two required photographs with your name printed on the back of each photo
    • Completed INS Form I-538
    • Completed INS Form I-765
    • Letter from Advisor
    • Current I-20 form
    • Passport and I-94 Card to be photocopied

Step 2

  1. Once your Optional Practical Training is recommended by the International Student Advisor, your paperwork will be submitted to the INS Nebraska Service Center for authorization. Please be advised that processing may take 3 months or more.
  2. The International Student Advisor will return to you, your I-20 form and copies of all paperwork submitted.
  3. Checklist of items to send to USCIS/INS in Nebraska:
    • $175 money order, cashier's check, or personal check
    • The two required photographs with your name printed on the back of each photo
    • Letter from PDSO/international student advisor
    • Completed INS Form I-538
    • Completed INS Form I-765
    • Letter from Advisor
    • Current I-20 form
    • Passport and I-94 Card to be photocopied

Step 3

After your Optional Practical Training has been authorized by INS, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will be sent to either the local INS office or the address you indicated on the I-765. You will be contacted by mail if your EAD goes to INS. Only the applicant will be allowed to pick up the EAD card after presenting a valid passport.

Points to Remember

  • Once you have been issued an EAD for Practical Training, the authorization cannot be canceled or changed. Even if you do not actually work, INS counts all Practical Training time against the total allowable. This is particularly important for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training if you do not complete your requirements on time and must delay the start of your employment until you finish the program. You will not be given additional Practical Training to compensate for any time you may lose in additional studies or in a job search.
  • Optional (pre and post) Practical Training is limited to only 12 months. This means that any other Optional Practical Training you do during or after the completion of one degree program is deducted from the remaining Optional Practical Training available for that and future degree programs.
  • Students who have engaged in Part-time Curricular Training are still eligible for 12 months of Post Completion Optional Practical Training.
  • After completion of your studies, Optional Practical Training is available only on a full-time basis.
  • Students doing Post-completion Practical Training may take classes on a part-time basis.
  • You do not need to receive a job offer to receive Optional Practical Training after completion of studies.
  • You may begin to search for employment prior to receiving Practical Training authorization, but you may not begin to work until you receive your EAD.
  • You may travel outside the U.S. and re-enter as a F-1 student on Practical Training once you have received your EAD card and have an I-20 endorsed by the Cedarville University International Student Advisor within the last six months of re-entry. Use your valid visa, endorsed I-20 and EAD card for entry.
  • You may obtain employment anywhere in the U.S. However, INS regulations require that any change in address and/or telephone number be reported to the Cedarville University Enrollment Management & Marketing Office within 10 days of the change. Cedarville University is still responsible for monitoring the status of a student with Practical Training even though the student is not formally registered for classes.

Social Security Numbers and Taxes

If you plan to work in the U.S. (including on campus) you will need a Social Security Number. Please visit the Office of International Programs or view the Getting a Social Security Card section for instruction on how to apply for a Social Security Number. The Social Security Administration will process y our application and a number will be sent to you in about one month.

In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for less than five years are exempt from social security (also known as FICA) and Medicare taxes. You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer because many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax laws. If you need more information about the F-1 Social Security and Medicare tax exemption, please contact the Office of International Programs. Students in F-1 status are subject all other taxes that may apply: federal, state and local (but check with the Office of International Programs to see if your country is one of the few that has a tax treaty with U.S. allowing students to exclude a limited amount of earned income from federal taxation).

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