International Students - Employment
EMPLOYMENT REGULATIONS: F-1 / J-1
F-1 STUDENTS
"Employment" is defined as the rendering of services on either a part-time or full-time basis for compensation, financial or otherwise, including self-employment. The regulations divide employment of F-1 students into several categories:
1. On-Campus Employment
An F-1 student may accept employment at the institution he or she is authorized to attend without prior approval from the CI S, provided the student is enrolled in a full course of study (and the employment will not displace a U.S. resident). On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. During vacation periods, such employment may be full-time for students who are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term. All F-1 students must complete I-9 and tax liability documentation in the Financial Aid Office before beginning employment.
2. Off-Campus Employment
An F-1 student is eligible to apply for off-campus employment only after being enrolled in F-1 status for nine consecutive months. An F-1 student may be authorized to work off-campus only after receiving an approved application from INS based on severe economic hardship. It is very important for F-1 students to contact the Student Life Programs Office prior to accepting any off-campus employment. F-1 students may not work off-campus without prior CIS authorization. Any employment without authorization makes a student subject to removal from the U.S. by CI S.
3. Practical Training
F-1 students are eligible for practical training programs after they have been in lawful F-1 status for nine consecutive months. An F-1 student may be eligible for temporary employment involving practical training in his or her field of study, both before and after completion of study. A student in an intensive English-language training program is not eligible for practical training. F-1 students may participate in curricular practical training before completion of studies or optional practical training both before and after completion of studies.
Curricular Practical Training:
Students enrolled in an institution whose training program is "an integral part of an established curriculum" may apply for curricular practical training authorization. Curricular practical training must involve a required internship or an internship for credit . If the curricular practical training entails employment of 20 hours or less per week, the student has to be enrolled in course work during the academic year to maintain status as a full-time student. If a student is engaged in curricular practical training for 12 months or more, the student is not eligible for optional practical training after graduation.
Optional Practical Training:
A student may participate in optional practical training: (1) while school is not in session and the student intends to register for the next term; (2) while school is in session, provided that employment does not exceed 20 hours per week; (3) full-time after completion of all course requirements for the degree he or she is pursuing; and, (4) full-time after completion of the course of study. Optional practical training after completion of studies must be full-time.
Students should make application at least 120 days prior to graduation through the Student Life Programs Office since CI S often takes 3-4 months or more to approve the optional practical training request. A student may not begin employment before receiving authorization from CI S. Any unauthorized practical training makes a student subject to removal from the U.S. by CI S.
J-1 STUDENTS
Employment" is defined as the rendering of services on either a part-time or full-time basis for compensation, financial or otherwise, including self-employment. The regulations divide employment of J-1 students into two categories:
1. Academic Training
As a J-1 student you may participate in academic training programs during your studies, without wages or other remuneration, with the approval of the academic dean or adviser and the Responsible Officer of your J-1 program, usually the International Student Adviser at Tech . You may be authorized to participate in academic training programs for wages and other remuneration during your studies or commencing not later than 30 days after completion of your studies. Contact the staff at the Student Life Programs Office prior to accepting any academic training employment. Accepting employment without prior approval may result in your removal from the U.S. by CI S.
2. Student Employment
As a J-1 student you may be qualified to accept part-time employment under the following circumstances: (1) it is a component of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship; (2) the employment is at Montana Tech ; or (3) the employment is off-campus due to serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic hardship which has arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status. The three types of student employment require written approval from the Responsible Officer of your J-1 program. See the International Student Adviser at Montana Tech . Contact the staff at the Student Life Programs Office prior to accepting any employment. Accepting employment without prior approval may result in your removal from the U.S. by CI S.
|
