Syracuse University: Opt Student Hiring Options Explored

Syracuse University is a diverse and inclusive community, with nearly 21,000 students from all 50 states and over 150 countries. The university offers a range of employment opportunities for students, including on-campus employment, off-campus employment, and practical training options such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT is designed to provide work experience directly related to a student's degree program, while OPT allows students to gain practical experience in a position related to their program of study either before or after completing their degree. F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT at each degree level, and may also be eligible for a STEM extension of OPT for an additional two years if they meet certain criteria. Syracuse University provides resources and support for students interested in pursuing OPT, including guidance from the Center for International Services and the Intercultural Collective.

Syracuse University's on-campus employment rules

Syracuse University permits on-campus employment for international students, which is defined as employment on the university campus that is paid by the university. This includes on-location commercial firms that provide services for students on campus, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria.

On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session and cannot exceed 40 hours a week during authorised breaks. Students must be enrolled full-time for the current semester or be registered full-time for the upcoming semester if the semester has not yet begun.

International students must comply with all laws and regulations of the United States, New York State, and local governments. They must also maintain their immigration status and academic standing to be eligible for on-campus employment.

To find an on-campus job, students must look on Handshake, where jobs are listed under 'Cuse Works'. However, some on-campus jobs require a Federal Work Study Award, for which international students are not eligible.

Additionally, international students must complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Process within the first three days of employment. This requires providing documentation such as the original current I-20 or DS-2019 form, a printout of the electronic I-94, and a Social Security card (if available).

It is important to note that on-campus employment authorisation cannot be used after completing a course of study. However, students authorised for F-1 practical training or J-1 academic training may be hired by Syracuse University in a job directly related to their field of study, but this would not be through Student Employment.

OPT and other visa requirements

Syracuse University offers international students the opportunity to gain work experience in the US. The requirements for on-campus and off-campus employment for international students are outlined below.

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment must be performed either on the school's premises or at an off-campus location that is "educationally affiliated" with the school. Employment with on-site commercial firms that do not provide direct student services is not considered on-campus employment. On-campus jobs are listed on Handshake and some require a Federal Work Study Award, for which international students are not eligible. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session and 40 hours a week during school breaks.

Off-Campus Employment

Off-campus employment authorization is available to students who can document an unforeseen change in financial circumstances creating economic hardship.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is authorization for "training" before or after the completion of a degree in a position directly related to the program of study but is not a part of the academic curriculum. F-1 students are eligible for one year of OPT at each degree level and may be eligible for the STEM Extension of OPT for two additional years if they meet the criteria. Pre-Completion OPT can be part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) and most students use Curricular Practical Training for internships, practicums, and field experiences. Post-Completion OPT is always full-time (20 hours or more per week).

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is authorization for "training" that is required or an elective (e.g. internship, field experience, practicum) in the academic curriculum.

Cap-Gap Extension

The Cap-Gap Extension is an extension of OPT to cover the gap between the OPT end date and the start of H-1B status on October 1.

J-1 Academic Training

Academic Training (AT) is employment authorization for students in J-1 status to obtain practical experience in their field of study.

J-2 Dependent Employment Authorization

Employment authorization is available to J-2 dependents of J-1 exchange visitors.

Visa Requirements

International students intending to apply for an F-1 student visa must complete the Visa/Financial Support Information Form and submit it with a bank statement or letter indicating proof of liquid funds. Photocopies of financial documentation are acceptable. A copy of the passport must also be included with the financial documents. The bank statement must be within a year of the start of the term to which the student is applying.

Syracuse University's off-campus employment rules

Syracuse University offers off-campus employment authorization to students who can document an unforeseen change in financial circumstances that creates economic hardship.

On-Campus Employment

On-campus employment must be performed either on the school premises or at an off-campus location that is "educationally affiliated" with the school. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session and 40 hours a week during authorized school breaks.

Off-Campus Employment

Off-campus employment is available to students who can document an unforeseen change in financial circumstances creating economic hardship.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is authorization to gain practical experience in a position directly related to your program of study either before or after completing your degree. F-1 students are eligible for one year of OPT at each degree level. Some F-1 students may be eligible for the STEM Extension of OPT for two additional years if they meet all the criteria.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is authorization for "training" that is required or an elective (e.g. internship, field experience, practicum, etc.) in your academic curriculum.

OPT and other visa renewal processes

Syracuse University offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students, which is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Eligible students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before or after completing their academic studies.

OPT Renewal Processes:

• F-1 students can apply for OPT renewal by requesting a recommendation letter from their academic department and submitting an application to the Center for International Services through the International Student and Scholar (ISSS) Portal in MySlice.
• Students must determine their requested OPT start and end dates, with pre-completion OPT allowing part-time work while school is in session and full-time work when school is not in session.
• Post-completion OPT requires full-time work and must be applied for within 30 days of the recommendation for OPT being entered into the student's record, and no later than 60 days after completing their degree.
• Students must then create a USCIS online account, complete Form I-765, and submit their application with the required fee and supporting documentation.
• The OPT application process typically takes 1-3 months, and students must have their Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) to begin working.

Other Visa Renewal Processes:

• Students can renew their F-1 visa during OPT by providing proof of employment, an I-20 form with current job information and a travel signature, and a valid EAD card.
• Visa interviews will focus on the student's goals in the US and their intent to return home after completing their academic goals.
• Students must also ensure they have a valid passport and may need to provide financial information and evidence of their intention to return to their home country.
• Visa renewal appointments can be scheduled through the US embassy or consulate, and students should allow sufficient time for processing.

Syracuse University's international student support services

Syracuse University offers a range of support services for international students to help them transition to life in Syracuse and ensure their success at the university. Here are some of the key services provided:

Center for International Services

The Center for International Services is a dedicated resource for international students, scholars, and their dependents. The center assists with issues related to immigration status, employment, cultural, social, and academic concerns, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and requirements. They also provide a comprehensive orientation program to help international students and their families adjust to life at Syracuse University.

English Language Institute (ELI)

The English Language Institute offers English courses at five levels, from beginner to advanced proficiency. The program includes home visits, trips, films, and lectures to promote English acquisition. Successful completion of Level 4 at ELI will result in a waiver of the TOEFL or IELTS admission requirement for Syracuse University. The program is open to students aged 17 and above who have completed secondary school and have been admitted or conditionally admitted to Syracuse University or another American university.

International Ambassador Program

The International Ambassador Program connects current international students with new international students to help them adjust to life on campus. These ambassadors provide campus tours and share their experiences and advice.

Local Partnerships for Global Students

Syracuse University collaborates with Onondaga Community College (OCC) to offer a unique opportunity for international students. Selected applicants can pursue a Syracuse University degree while improving their English language and academic skills during the first half of their collegiate career at OCC. This partnership helps reduce the total cost of the Syracuse University degree while strengthening the English language and study skills of the participants.

Practical Training Opportunities

Syracuse University provides information and support for international students interested in gaining work experience or earning income while studying. This includes guidance on on-campus employment, off-campus employment authorization, Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), and Cap-Gap Extension.

Other Support Services

Syracuse University also offers a range of other support services available to all students, including career counselling, financial literacy resources, writing and tutoring services, transportation services, and counselling and support services for well-being through the Barnes Center at The Arch.

Frequently asked questions