Ibrahim Gardner
International students can participate in co-op programs, but they need to meet certain requirements. In the United States, international students on an F-1 visa are required to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), to participate in co-op programs. This involves working with the campus co-op office to clarify the rules for participation and ensuring compliance with regulations regarding employment and immigration. International students may also be authorized to participate in Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class or vacation terms. In Canada, international students need a co-op work permit to complete a mandatory work component of their program within the country. Proper planning and understanding of the requirements are crucial for international students seeking to benefit from co-op opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Co-op work permit requirement | A co-op work permit is required for international students to work in Canada. |
| Social Security Number requirement | International students can start working without a Social Security Number as long as they have a confirmation of a Social Security Number request. For unpaid co-ops, a Social Security Number is not required. |
| Work authorization requirement | International students on an F-1 visa are required to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), to participate in co-op. |
| OPT eligibility | Students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class, vacation, or after graduation. |
| Pre-OPT eligibility | International students may be authorized to participate in Pre-Completion OPT after being enrolled for a full academic year. Pre-OPT work is limited to 20 hours per week during the school session and 40 hours per week when school is not in session. |
| Planning | International students should start planning for co-op opportunities at least one semester or six months in advance. |
| Compliance | International students should ensure compliance with regulations by contacting their international student services office to understand the proper procedures. |
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What You'll Learn
International students can do co-ops in the US
Students on J-1 visas may also be 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, J-1 visa holders might qualify to work under academic training for up to 18 months or the duration of their academic program, whichever is shorter.
International students should work closely with their university's international student services and co-op offices to understand the specific rules and regulations that apply to their situation. For example, Drexel University's Office of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS) assists students in obtaining work authorization for cooperative education positions.
It is important for international students to maintain valid immigration status in the US by complying with regulations such as maintaining a full course load and not working without authorization. By understanding these limitations, international students can benefit from co-op opportunities just like their US classmates.
Furthermore, some universities offer international co-op programs that provide students with the opportunity to work in a foreign country and gain valuable international work experience. These programs can include cooperative education, academic internships, undergraduate research, and more.
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They need work authorization, like CPT, OPT, or Pre-OPT
International students on an F-1 visa are required to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), in order to participate in co-op. 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. Students can obtain authorization for CPT from the international or designated student advisor at their school, and this advisor will give the student a new SEVIS I-20 reflecting the curricular practical training.
Students may also be eligible to obtain Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class or vacation terms or upon graduation. Work authorization for OPT is handled by the student and the university's Office of International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS). Students are instructed to bring the proper documentation to the company when they begin their employment to complete the I-9 form.
It is also possible for international students to be authorized to participate in Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT) after they have been enrolled for one full academic year. Students authorized for Pre-OPT may only work part-time while school is in session and may work full-time when school is not in session or during vacation. The Pre-OPT must be directly related to the student's course of study, and the time granted on Pre-OPT is deducted from the one year of OPT.
International students should not be afraid to pursue co-op opportunities, as international student services and co-op offices on campus usually work together to clarify the rules that allow F-1 students. However, it is extremely important for international students to maintain their immigration status in the U.S. by complying with F-1 regulations, such as maintaining a full course load and not working without authorization. Failure to obtain work authorization prior to beginning a co-op can jeopardize the student's visa status and may result in co-op termination.
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Students on an F-1 visa need to maintain full course loads
International students on an F-1 visa need to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), to participate in a co-op program. 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. To be eligible for CPT, students must have been in F-1 status for at least a year. They can obtain authorization from the international or designated student advisor at their school, who will provide a new SEVIS I-20 reflecting the curricular practical training.
Students on an F-1 visa must also maintain a full course load and comply with other F-1 regulations, such as notifying the DSO when they move and not working without authorization. Failure to obtain work authorization prior to beginning a co-op can jeopardize the student's visa status and may result in co-op termination and co-op failure.
International students at Drexel University, for example, can obtain work authorization as CPT for cooperative education positions from the Office of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS). The ISSS office must establish eligibility for work prior to assigning a co-op cycle and advisor. Students are then responsible for completing the process of work authorization.
Additionally, students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class or vacation terms or upon graduation. OPT is granted after the student has been enrolled for one full academic year. The time granted on Pre-OPT is deducted from the one year of OPT, with part-time Pre-OPT counted at a half-rate.
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Students can work part-time during classes and full-time on breaks
International students can work part-time during classes and full-time during breaks, but there are several requirements and restrictions that they must be aware of. For example, international students on an F-1 visa are required to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), in order to participate in co-op. 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. Students can obtain authorization for CPT from the international or designated student advisor at their school, and this advisor will give the student a new SEVIS I-20 reflecting the curricular practical training.
Students may also be eligible to obtain Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work part-time during classes or vacation terms, or upon graduation. The application process for Pre-OPT requires up to 90 days of processing time by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students authorized to participate in Pre-OPT may only work part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) while school is in session and may work full-time (40 hours per week) when school is not in session or during vacation.
It is important to note that international students must maintain valid immigration status in the U.S. by complying with F-1 regulations, such as maintaining a full course load and not working without authorization. Failure to obtain work authorization prior to beginning a co-op can jeopardize the student's visa status and may result in co-op termination and co-op failure. Students must also be aware of the rules for participation, which can be clarified by working with the co-op office on campus.
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Students can start working before receiving a Social Security number
International students can start working on a co-op before receiving a Social Security number, but only if they are working in an unpaid position. For paid co-op positions, international students must obtain a Social Security number before starting work. However, students can begin working without a Social Security number as long as they have confirmation of a Social Security number request from the Social Security Administration office. The time from application to receiving a Social Security number is typically two to three weeks.
International students may be eligible for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT), which allows them to work part-time during class or vacation terms, or full-time when school is not in session. To be eligible for Pre-OPT, students must have been enrolled for one full academic year. The Pre-OPT training must be directly related to the student's course of study.
Students on an F-1 visa may work on co-op using Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization, which allows them to work in the US as long as it is an integral part of their curriculum. CPT must be secured for each co-op experience in the US, and students must obtain work authorization from their school's international student office. Students cannot apply for a Social Security number until they have secured CPT and it is within 30 days of their co-op start date.
At Drexel University, students can obtain work authorization as CPT for cooperative education positions from the Office of International Student and Scholars Services (ISSS). Students are responsible for completing the process of work authorization, and employers do not need to provide authorization.
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Frequently asked questions
International students on an F-1 visa are required to obtain work authorization, known as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), in order to participate in a co-op. Students can obtain authorization for CPT from the international or designated student advisor at their school.
Students should work with the co-op office on campus to clarify the rules for participation and check their eligibility. They should also contact their international student services office to learn the proper procedures before securing their first co-op.
Students authorized to participate in Pre-OPT may only work part-time (no more than 20 hours/week) while school is in session and may work full-time (40 hours/week) when school is not in session or during their vacation/term off.
