International Students In The Us: Exploring Co-Op Opportunities

International students in the US are often interested in internships and co-op programs to gain valuable work experience and enhance their academic knowledge. While international students are generally not allowed to work off-campus, there are certain circumstances and programs that allow them to engage in cooperative education. The specific rules and requirements vary by university and visa type, so it is important for international students to understand the regulations and procedures at their institution.

F-1 visa students can work on co-ops using CPT

International students in the US on an F-1 visa can work on co-ops, but they must obtain work authorization as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for cooperative education positions. CPT is one of two types of practical training F-1 student visa holders can qualify for while studying in the United States. The other type is Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is employment authorization that is used for an integral part of an established curriculum and must be directly related to the student's major area of study. For example, a clinical experience, internship, or cooperative education opportunity.

To obtain CPT authorization, students must meet certain requirements. Firstly, they must have been in F-1 status for at least a year before requesting CPT. Secondly, they need a job offer letter from their prospective employer, which must be signed and printed on the official letterhead of the employer. This letter must include specific details such as the employment start and end dates, whether the training is full-time or part-time, and the name and address of the company providing the training.

Once students have obtained the required documentation, they can begin the CPT work authorization process with their university-appointed Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will update the student's Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to reflect their CPT status. It is important to note that CPT work authorization is specific to one employer, location, and time period, and students must adhere to these specifications to maintain their CPT eligibility.

While CPT provides valuable work experience and hands-on opportunities, it is important to consider the impact on OPT eligibility. Students who engage in 12 months or more of full-time CPT become ineligible for OPT, whereas part-time CPT does not affect OPT qualification. OPT must be related to the student's major or course of study, and it can be applied for at each education level.

Students on J-1 visas can work legally with Academic Training (AT)

Students on J-1 visas can work legally in the US with Academic Training (AT). AT is designed to allow J-1 students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off-campus. Students on J-1 visas are only permitted to work part-time on campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week, and they can work full-time during academic breaks. The duration of their stay in the US depends on the program they choose to pursue. For example, a J-1 visa for a Camp Counselor program will likely be for a short duration, such as four months over the summer, while an Au Pair or Research Scholar program may require a J-1 visa that is valid for several years.

J-1 students must obtain work authorization to be able to work while studying. Their responsible officer must authorize employment in writing, and it must be related to their program of study. The officer can authorize part-time on-campus employment according to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship, or off-campus employment based on serious, urgent, or unforeseen economic circumstances. Additionally, J-1 students can be authorized for a maximum of 18 months (or 36 months for PhD students) of practical training during or immediately after their studies. This includes paid off-campus employment and/or unpaid internships that are part of the student's program.

J-1 students are also eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class or vacation terms, or upon graduation. The process of work authorization is handled by the student and the university's Office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS). Students must bring the proper documentation to complete the I-9 form when they begin employment. Each period of employment must be authorized, and students returning to the same employer for multiple co-op positions must be reauthorized each time.

It is important to note that J-1 exchange visitors can only work in the US if the work is part of their approved program or when their official program sponsor approves their employment. The Department of State (DOS) administers exchange visitor programs and designates the sponsors, who issue Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status. J-1 students must enter the program end date or the date authorized by their responsible officer in Section 1 of this form.

Pre-completion OPT is available for eligible international students

International students in the US may be eligible for pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain relevant work experience within their field of study. Pre-completion OPT is available to students who have been enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enrol F-1 students. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The application must be accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation.

Students with F-1 status may work on a co-op using Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which authorises employment that is integral to the established curriculum and directly related to the student's major area of study. CPT is available to students who have maintained F-1 status for at least one year. Students can obtain CPT authorisation from their designated school official (DSO) or international student advisor, who will provide a new SEVIS I-20 reflecting the curricular practical training.

It is important to note that each university handles the logistics of international student employment differently. For example, at Northeastern University, all international students must obtain co-op employment authorisation from the International Students and Scholars Institute (ISSI) for each co-op position before beginning employment. Additionally, students on J-1 visas are eligible to work legally in the US using Academic Training (AT), which allows them to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to practical work experience off-campus.

To summarise, pre-completion OPT is available for eligible international students who have completed one full academic year of full-time study at an authorised institution. Students can apply for pre-completion OPT by submitting Form I-765 to the USCIS and must ensure they understand the specific requirements and procedures of their university.

CPT is required for each co-op experience in the US

International students in the US on F-1 visas can participate in cooperative education (co-op) positions, but they must obtain work authorization as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) first. CPT is a type of employment authorization that allows international students to gain practical training that is integral to their major area of study. This can include internships, clinical experiences, or cooperative education opportunities.

To obtain CPT authorization, international students must have been in F-1 status for at least a year and must obtain approval from their academic advisor or designated school official (DSO). The DSO will provide the student with a new Form I-20 that reflects the CPT authorization. CPT requires a signed cooperative agreement or a letter from the employer. It is important to note that CPT is processed and authorized term by term, and each university may have its own specific guidelines and requirements. Therefore, students should refer to their university's CPT website and guidelines for specific information on the application process and requirements.

It is important to note that engaging in more than 11 months and 29 days of full-time CPT will make students ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is a separate type of work authorization that allows students to work in the US for a year or more after completing their undergraduate or graduate programs. Therefore, students should carefully consider their CPT and OPT options and plan their practical training accordingly.

Students must keep their immigration status valid

International students in the US are responsible for maintaining their immigration status and that of their dependents. Students on F-1 or J-1 visas must enrol full-time every fall or spring semester to maintain their immigration status. If students want to take less than a full-time course load, they must meet one of the four exceptions and request approval for a Reduced Course Load to maintain their status.

F-1 or J-1 visas must be valid on the day the student enters the US. Once in the US, the visa does not need to be valid, and students are allowed to remain in the country. However, students must keep their passports valid for at least six months into the future at all times. Failure to do so is a violation of their immigration status.

J-1 students and their J-2 dependents must maintain health insurance that meets J-1 federal guidelines for the entire length of their J program. This is a requirement for properly maintaining J-1/J-2 status. There is no federal requirement for F-1 students to have health insurance, but it is strongly recommended as healthcare can be expensive without it.

Students must also obtain work authorization. Students on F-1 visas may work on co-op positions using Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for the length of time designated or required for graduation by their academic program. Students on J-1 visas are eligible to work legally in the US using Academic Training (AT). Students may also be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class or vacation terms or upon graduation.

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