Work-Study Options For International Students At Berkeley

Berkeley College offers international students the chance to experience diversity and excellent networking opportunities, with students from 50 countries. The college offers a variety of programs for international students, including on-campus employment opportunities. However, F-1 and J-1 international students are not eligible for work-study jobs as they are paid with US federal funds. International students at Berkeley College can find on-campus jobs through the Berkeley Career Engagement Center or by networking. Departments that commonly hire international students include Cal Dining, the Recreational Sports Facility, and the International House.

F-1 visa holders can work on-campus without extra authorization

International students at Berkeley College on an F-1 visa can work on-campus without extra authorization, provided they are fully enrolled students with valid, unexpired I-20s. However, they are limited to 20 hours of work per week during the fall, spring, and last semesters. During the summer between spring and fall, students may work more than 20 hours per week, but if summer is their first or final semester, they are again limited to 20 hours per week.

F-1 students will need to apply for a Social Security Number for all paid on-campus work. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available to F-1 students when it is part of an established curriculum within a school and directly relates to their program of study. Unlike Optional Practical Training (OPT), CPT can be full-time and is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. F-1 students can apply for OPT during their program of study after completing one full academic year (pre-completion OPT) or after they finish their program (post-completion OPT).

To maintain their F-1 status, international students should plan to enroll in 12-18 credits per semester, with at least 12 credits for undergraduates and 9 credits for graduates. They are expected to enroll for two semesters per year, with the option of a third. F-1 students must pursue a full-time course of study or obtain permission for a reduced course load (RCL). Form I-94, which indicates that the student has been legally admitted to the US, is required evidence for any F-1 visa application, including work authorization.

The Berkeley Career Engagement Center allows students to search for on-campus jobs via Handshake or their web page, although many positions are limited to US nationals due to the federally-supported "work-study designation." However, students can find on-campus jobs with a little effort and networking, as many offices and departments hire student workers, and not all positions are posted online. The Berkeley International Office can help students determine whether their employment qualifies as on-campus work.

F-1 students must apply for a Social Security Number for paid on-campus work

International students at Berkeley College can apply for on-campus employment, but there are several steps they must follow. F-1 students are required to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) if they wish to take up paid on-campus work. The SSN is a unique identification number that is used for tax and government purposes but is often also requested by financial institutions and businesses.

To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must demonstrate that they have sufficient finances to cover tuition and living expenses. This can be done by providing a certified bank statement showing at least $42,000 from a sponsor. F-1 students must also maintain their status by enrolling in 12-18 credits per semester, with the majority of their courses on-site, and they are expected to enrol for two semesters per year.

For on-campus employment, F-1 students must wait at least 10 days after completing their Required Arrival Confirmation and US Address Reporting. They can then apply no more than 30 days before their on-campus employment start date, as indicated on their offer letter. It is important to note that F-1 students are not required to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes if they are considered "non-residents for tax purposes".

If F-1 students wish to study abroad while maintaining their status as Berkeley students, they can do so through University of California Education Abroad Programs (UCEAP), Berkeley Global Internships, or Berkeley Summer Abroad. However, studying abroad in the final semester at Berkeley may impact post-completion work authorization, so students are advised to consult with the Berkeley International Office (BIO) to understand their options.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available for F-1 students

International students at Berkeley College can take advantage of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain practical work experience in their field of study. CPT is only available for F-1 students and must be a part of an established curriculum within the school. It is a type of academically-related work-based training that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study while completing their degree program.

To be eligible for CPT, F-1 students must have been in valid F-1 immigration status for at least two full-time semesters (one academic year). CPT can be authorized for students who enroll in a course that requires employment to earn a grade or a course where they design their own research project based on the employment. The course must be in the student's major department or intended major for undeclared students. CPT employment must overlap with the internship enrollment semester dates and can take place in the fall, spring, or summer terms.

It is important to note that CPT requests are commonly delayed due to errors or omissions on the request form or employment letter. Therefore, students should submit their CPT application at least two weeks before their internship or employment start date to ensure timely authorization. F-1 students are required to have their CPT I-20 on their first day of employment.

Additionally, CPT authorization is only 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 is a valuable opportunity for F-1 international students at Berkeley College to gain practical work experience related to their field of study while completing their degree. By following the necessary steps and guidelines, students can benefit from this opportunity to enhance their academic and professional careers.

Studying abroad may impact post-completion work authorization

International students at Berkeley College can seek assistance from the International Student Department for matters related to their SEVIS I-20 or F-1 Student Visa procedures, housing information, orientation to college life, and adjusting to educational practices and life in the United States.

F-1 students at Berkeley College are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) when it is part of an established curriculum within the school and relates to their program of study. CPT can be full-time and is not restricted by a weekly 20-hour work limit. To maintain their F-1 status, international students should plan to enroll in 12-18 credits per semester, with the majority of their courses on-site. They are expected to enroll for two semesters per year (one academic year) with the option to enroll for a third semester.

F-1 students can also apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), a form of temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. OPT is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the authorization process is approximately 3 months but can take longer. All eligible students may apply for 12 months at each degree level. Students with degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization.

It is important to consult the Berkeley International Office (BIO) for guidance on the impact of studying abroad on post-completion work authorization.

International students must prove sufficient funds to cover expenses

International students at Berkeley College must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their expenses. This is a requirement for obtaining an F-1 or J-1 student visa and maintaining their status as full-time students in the United States. The Berkeley International Office issues I-20 and DS-2019 Certificates of Eligibility, which confirm that students have enough financial resources to cover their period of stay.

To obtain the I-20 or DS-2019 Certificate, students must submit financial support documentation showing at least $42,000 in available funds. This can be verified by providing a certified bank statement from their sponsor. Additionally, students must explain the source of their funds and guarantee that they will continue to receive them while studying at Berkeley. The required funding amount ensures that students can cover their tuition and living expenses for at least the first year of their program.

It is important to note that the documentation required by the Berkeley International Office may also be needed when applying for the F-1 or J-1 visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Students should keep copies of their financial documents for this purpose. The office may, at its discretion, request additional financial information to verify the availability of funds. This includes bank statements that are no older than three months and income or salary statements.

International students at Berkeley College can explore various financial aid options to help cover their expenses. These include institutional financial aid, which is offered by the school as part of a student's admission package, and external financial aid, which may include scholarships, fellowships, need-based awards, merit-based awards, private grants, and loans. While some sources of external financial aid are limited to U.S. citizens, there are also opportunities specifically for international students, although these tend to be highly competitive. Additionally, students can consider applying for short-term emergency loans offered by the Financial Aid Office or the Shih Loan Program by the Berkeley International Office, which provides interest-free long-term loans.

Frequently asked questions