Janice Lozano
International students in the US can participate in co-op programs, which offer valuable work experience and allow students to work through multiple departments and fields within an organization. To be eligible for a co-op, international students must obtain work authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is an integral part of the curriculum and must be directly related to the student's major area of study, while OPT allows students to work for a specific period after completing their studies. Students on F-1 visas can participate in co-ops using CPT, while those on J-1 visas may work legally using Academic Training (AT). The duration of co-op programs can vary from a few weeks to several months, and students must alternate between work and study. International students should seek guidance from their university's career center and international student services office to understand the specific requirements and regulations for participating in co-op programs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Co-op programs for international students in the US | Offer valuable work experience and professional development |
| Types of programs | Full-time, part-time, internships, and cooperative education |
| Duration | Varies from 3 weeks to 3 months for co-ops; internships range from 4-12 weeks |
| Work authorization | Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), Academic Training (AT) |
| Visa requirements | F-1 and J-1 visa holders may be eligible for work authorization |
| Social Security Number | Required for paid co-op positions; not needed for unpaid co-ops |
| Application process | May include resume and cover letter preparation, interviews, and online job boards |
| University support | Career centers offer guidance, resume help, and connections to potential employers |
| Limitations | Undergraduate students with over 364 days of full-time CPT are ineligible for OPT upon graduation |
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What You'll Learn
- F-1 visa students can do co-ops using CPT
- J-1 visa students can work legally with Academic Training (AT)
- Pre-OPT is available for students enrolled for a full academic year
- Students can work full-time during co-op with CPT authorization
- Students on J-1 visas can work up to 18 months with written permission
F-1 visa students can do co-ops using CPT
International students in the US on an F-1 visa can do a co-op, but they must first obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT allows students on an F-1 visa to work in the United States as long as it is an integral part of their curriculum. Students can obtain CPT authorization from the Office of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) at their university.
CPT is required when the training takes place inside the United States. For example, a summer internship in a student's home country does not need CPT authorization. CPT authorization is granted on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. Students must maintain a full course of study even when CPT is authorized.
The process of obtaining CPT authorization typically involves attending an informational session, completing the necessary paperwork, and submitting the documentation to the ISSS office for processing. Students must also be aware of the eligibility requirements and maintain their F-1 status by complying with enrollment and physical presence requirements.
It is important to note that CPT days need to be tracked by the student, as exceeding 364 days of full-time CPT in the United States will result in ineligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students must also have separate CPT course registrations for each academic term if their CPT occurs in more than one term.
International students on an F-1 visa can benefit from CPT to gain valuable work experience and enhance their career development. It is recommended to seek guidance from academic advisors and utilize resources like resume-review tools to optimize their job search process and meet their specific goals.
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J-1 visa students can work legally with Academic Training (AT)
International students in the US on a J-1 visa can work legally with Academic Training (AT). The J-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the US for educational and cultural exchange programs. The primary purpose of the J-1 visa is to promote international understanding and collaboration between the US and other countries.
AT is a work authorization program that allows J-1 students to pursue off-campus employment related to their field of study. It is the most common type of off-campus employment for J-1 students and offers flexible employment opportunities to supplement their studies. AT provides J-1 students with valuable practical experience in their field.
To be eligible for AT, students must obtain approval from their designated sponsor and submit an application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students must also have a written job offer from a company and apply within 30 days of completing their program. The maximum length of AT is 36 months, including any prior academic training in the US as an undergraduate or pre-doctoral student. For undergraduate, master's, and pre-doctoral students, the length of AT is usually capped at 18 months or the duration of the program, whichever is shorter. Post-doctoral training can be valid for up to 36 months or the duration of the doctoral program, whichever is less.
During AT, J-1 students can have multiple employers and work part-time or full-time with or without pay. However, they cannot be self-employed, and there is no unemployment provision. J-1 students can also change jobs, but they must first submit a new application for AT and receive authorization from their university or college.
It is important to note that J-1 students must maintain valid J-1 status throughout their AT and apply for extensions as necessary. Additionally, their proposed employment must be directly related to their field of study, and they must be in good academic standing.
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Pre-OPT is available for students enrolled for a full academic year
International students in the US on F-1 visas may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. Students can apply for Pre-Completion OPT (or Pre-OPT) after being enrolled for one full academic year. Students can apply for their Pre-OPT I-20 up to 100 days before their requested start date and submit their application to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) no more than 90 days before their requested start date.
Pre-OPT allows students to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session and full-time (40 hours per week) when school is not in session or during vacations. Students should note that the time spent on Pre-OPT will be subtracted from the total time available for Post-Completion OPT. Additionally, part-time Pre-OPT is counted at a half-rate. For example, four months of part-time Pre-OPT will be subtracted as two months from the total 12 months of OPT.
To request Pre-OPT work authorization, students must first request an I-20 form with a recommendation for Pre-OPT from their Designated School Official (DSO). The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing the Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student must then submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation. USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if the OPT is approved. Students must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.
It is important to note that Pre-OPT must be directly related to the student's course of study. Additionally, students on F-1 visas can work on cooperative education positions using Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for the length of time their academic program designates or requires for graduation. Students are responsible for completing the process of work authorization, which can take up to 90 days for processing by USCIS.
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Students can work full-time during co-op with CPT authorization
International students in the US can do a co-op, but they must obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), in order to participate. CPT allows international students on an F-1 visa to engage in employment in the United States, as long as it is an integral part of their curriculum.
CPT authorization is typically granted for one semester at a time, as it is contingent on enrollment in a specific course. Students must have CPT authorization before they can start their practical training experience. To obtain CPT authorization, students must first secure a practical training offer from an employer, and then request authorization from the designated school official (DSO) at their school. The DSO will provide the student with a Form I-20, which shows that the DSO has approved them for employment. Students must then complete and submit a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS will send the student a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), upon approving their application. Students cannot legally work before receiving their EAD.
CPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis, in accordance with school policies. Students can work full-time (over 20 hours per week) during their co-op with CPT authorization. However, when school is in session, students must maintain a full course of study, even when CPT is authorized. It is important to note that CPT days must be tracked by the student, as undergraduate students who exceed 364 days of full-time CPT in the United States are not eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) upon graduation.
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. Additionally, students may be eligible for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT), which allows them to work part-time during the school year and full-time when school is not in session.
Overall, while international students in the US can participate in co-ops, it is crucial that they obtain the necessary work authorizations, such as CPT, to ensure compliance with visa regulations and to gain valuable professional experience during their studies.
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Students on J-1 visas can work up to 18 months with written permission
International students in the US on F-1 visas are required to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), in order to participate in co-op. CPT allows students on an F-1 visa to engage in employment in the US as long as it is an integral part of their curriculum.
Students on J-1 visas can also work in the US, but the process is slightly different. The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that falls under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act (Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961). It allows a "student, scholar, trainee, teacher, professor, research assistant, specialist, or leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill, or other person of similar description" to come to the United States.
To be eligible for a J-1 visa, students must locate and contact a designated sponsor from a list provided by the State Department. Most J-1 visa applicants are required to interview with the US embassy or consulate. Students on J-1 visas are eligible to work legally in the US using Academic Training (AT). AT allows J-1 students to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off-campus.
The specific work authorization process for J-1 visa students can vary depending on the university and other factors. For example, at Drexel University, students on J-1 visas can work for up to 18 months with written permission. They must work with their co-op advisor to begin the work authorization paperwork, which is then sent to the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) office for processing.
It is important to note that failure to obtain work authorization prior to beginning employment can jeopardize the student's visa status and may result in termination. Therefore, it is crucial for students on J-1 visas to carefully follow the work authorization process outlined by their university or educational institution.
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Frequently asked questions
Co-op programs are structured to align with the duration of the semesters. They are typically full-time programs that allow participants to work through multiple departments and fields within an organization. They can last from 3 weeks to 3 months, or as long as the academic program designates.
Yes, international students in the US can participate in co-op programs. However, they must obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), in order to do so. CPT allows students on an F-1 visa to engage in employment in the United States as long as it is an integral part of their curriculum.
Co-op programs can provide international students with more in-depth and immersive experiences, allowing them to work in multiple departments and gain practical experience. They can also help international students jump-start their careers while they are still in school and benefit from the same opportunities as their US classmates.
