All you need to do is secure a job that is related to your field of study, and bring your I-20, I-94, and passport to your international student advisor for work authorization. If all the requirements are satisfied, the advisor can endorse your I-20 ID, which you can use as a legal work permit for that particular job. The advisor will then copy your I-20, fill out an I-538 form, and send them both to the INS data processing center. Because curricular practical training does not require official approval from the INS, the process of obtaining the work authorization usually takes very little time.

You may qualify for curricular practical training under any of these conditions:

• You are required to take an academic course with concurrent work experience or work which follows the course.
• You are given course credit for employment - possibly even if the course is an elective.
  Ask your advisor about this.
• You are not given credit for the employment, but the internship or practicum is a mandatory requirement for graduation.

Warning!

If you work 12 or more months in full-time curricular practical training, you will NOT be eligible for optional practical training work after you graduate.

Eligibility requirements

• The practical training work experience must be a requirement of your degree program.
• You must have been in a valid F-1 or J-1 status for at least nine months.
  There may be some exceptions, so be sure to check with your advisor.
• You must be registered as a full-time student (or the equivalent).

Pre- and Post-Completion Optional Practical Training

Optional practical training is available both during and after the completion of your academic program. These are called pre-completion and post-completion optional practical training, respectively. However, keep in mind that the total amount of practical training permitted is 12 months. For example, if you are authorized for three months of pre-completion optional practical training during the holidays, you will only be eligible for nine more months of post-completion optional practical training after you have completed your degree. Also, any time spent in curricular practical training reduces the amount of time you may work in optional practical training.

Pre-completion optional practical training may be any of following:

• A part-time or full-time job during an annual vacation
• A part-time or full-time job after completion of all coursework, but while working on your thesis, dissertation, or project
• During the academic year, while pursuing a full course load, only part-time jobs are allowable

For post-completion optional practical training, you may:

• work as a full-time employee
• work for as many companies as you want
• work as an independent contractor

How Do I Apply for Optional Practical Training?

You must apply for optional practical training through your international student advisor sometime before the completion of your studies, or within 60 days after graduation. The INS denies applications that are even one day late! You do not need a job to be eligible for either pre- or post-completion optional practical training. Keep in mind that it could take up to four months for the INS to approve your application, and you will not be eligible to work before then. Therefore, you must plan ahead, and try to apply as early as possible.

Here are the steps you will need to take:

• Complete the top portion of form I-538, and give this form, accompanied by your current I-20 ID, to your advisor.
• Your advisor will certify on form I-538 that your employment is directly related to your major area of study and is appropriate for your educational level.
• Your advisor will also endorse your I-20 ID. You or your advisor must then send the following items to the regional INS service center that has jurisdiction over your school:
  1. form I-538
  2. a copy of form I-20, with your advisor's endorsement
  3. a completed Application for Employment Authorization (form I-765)
  4. a $100 processing fee payable to the INS
  5. 2 green card-style photos (1.5 x 1.5 inches, showing three quarters of your right face)
  6. a signature card
• Usually in two weeks' time, the INS will send you a confirmation, along with a receipt number that you can use to track your status.
• Within two to four months, the INS will issue you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your EAD will allow you to be employed for a maximum of 12 months. However, your optional practical training will terminate no later than 14 months after you complete your studies, regardless of when your employment starts.

Can I Change Jobs?

You may change employers any time after receiving authorization from the INS, if the new job is directly related to your field of study and is appropriate for someone with your level of education.

Can I Work at More Than One Job?

The good thing about optional practical training is that you may have as many jobs with as many companies as you want. You may also work as an independent contractor. However, if you are doing pre-completion optional practical training, you will probably not want to work in several jobs, since you will need to maintain full-time student status.

Can I Go Further?

If you are considering lengthening your stay in the U.S. beyond the maximum 12 months of post-completion optional practical training, you can attempt to get an H1-B visa sponsorship from your current employer.

Warning #1: No second chances!

• Post-completion optional practical training is a one-time option. If you take one year of practical training after completing your degree, you cannot obtain another period of practical training upon completing another degree.
• There are two exceptions: First, if you spend at least one year outside the U.S., and then return with F-1 status. Second, if you change from F-1 to another status, spend at least a year in the other status, and then change back to F-1 status.

Warning #2: No cancellation policy!

• Once authorization to engage in practical training is granted, it may not be rescinded or cancelled. This means that you may lose that 12 months' eligibility for work if you unexpectedly delay your graduation, cannot find a job, or lose a job.

Most J-1 students may work up to 18 months under academic training. However, exceptions include:

• Students in full-time exchange programs that allow academic training opportunities are eligible for one month of training for each month they are in the classroom. They must have the approval of their program coordinator as well as the international student advisor.

There are two types of academic training:

1. Pre-completion academic training allows a currently enrolled student to work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full time during vacations. To be eligible to apply, your university may require you to be a J-1 student for at least nine months.
2. Post-completion academic training allows international students to work in their related field of study immediately following the completion of their degree. In most cases, it must be paid employment.

Warning!

If you have finished your studies and cannot find a job, you will not be eligible for academic training. You must apply for post-completion academic training within 30 days of completing your studies, or before your current IAP-66 expires - whichever comes first. Otherwise, you have until the end of a 30-day grace period to leave the United States.

Can I change jobs during academic training?

Yes, as long as the new position also meets the definition of academic training. You must submit a new application to your international student advisor before accepting a new position. You cannot begin any employment without written authorization from your international student advisor, nor do the regulations allow for gaps in employment. Therefore, you must notify your international student advisor immediately if you are considering changing jobs.

Can I obtain academic training, even if I am subject to the two-year home residency requirement?

Yes, you can, provided that you are a J-1 student sponsored by your school and you meet all the other criteria for academic training. However, your responsibility for complying with the two-year home return at the end of your academic training is not waived.

Can I travel during post-completion academic training?

Travel during this time can be complicated, especially if your J-1 visa has expired. Students must meet with their international student advisor to discuss the details of any travel plans.

What if my academic training ends early?

You must notify your international student advisor immediately if your position ends before the period of authorization you have been given is over.

What if I want to extend my academic training?