EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR F-1

VISA HOLDERSAnn Deppman, Associate Dean of Studies/ Director,

Office of International Student Services

Donna Russell, Assistant DirectorCareer Services

Oberlin CollegeFall 2012- Spring 2013

What is Employment?Employment: Any type of work performed,

or services provided, in exchange for money, tuition, fees, books, supplies, lodging, or for any other benefit.

 If you receive no pay or other compensation for work performed, but the activity is of the type generally viewed as deserving of compensation, the activity is considered employment, not 'volunteer work' and requires authorization.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Employment

On-campus Part time (up to 20 hours per week) during the

semester or Full time (more than 20 hours per week) during vacations.

No approval is required. First year students are eligible.

Off-campus Must receive prior authorization. Must be recommended by a faculty member and

connected to your coursework and field of study. First year students are not eligible until then

have completed one academic year of study (they can apply for the benefit the summer after their freshman year.)

Off-Campus EmploymentBefore Graduation

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT offers F-1 visa students the opportunity to obtain practical experience in their field of study as part of their undergraduate education. Students may use up to 12 months of full-time CPT employment before they start to lose eligibility for post graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT). At Oberlin, CPT is typically used to enable students to accept Winter Term Internships or Summer Internships or employment , and also by Conservatory Students for off campus “gigs.”

Applying for CPT1) Obtain a written job offer; and 2) A Faculty recommendation

indicating that the employment is connected to the students field of study and is either:

a) Credit bearingb) Recommended to support and enrich the content of

specific credit-bearing course that the student is currently enrolled in or will enroll in for the subsequent semester; or

c) Recommended to support and enrich a private study that the student is currently enrolled in..

Off-Campus EmploymentAfter Graduation

Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT offers F-1 visa students the opportunity to obtain practical experience in their field of study by through a 12 month employment benefit. Certain STEM degree fields offer a possible 17 month OPT extension.

Applying for OPTREQUIREMENTS1) Statement of intent, indicating the employment you will

be seeking along with a faculty recommendation indicating that the employment is appropriate to your degree field and level of education.

2) $380 application fee.3) 2 passport style photographs4) Maintaining legal F-1 status5) Completed one full academic year of study.

TIMELINE6) You can (and should!) apply 90 days before your

program end date. For programs ending on May 31, 2013, the earliest you can apply is March 2, 2013.

7) It takes 3-4 months to receive your card; you can not start working until your card is in hand.

FAQs Related to OPT Do I have to work while I am on OPT?

Yes, you are only allowed to have 90 cumulative days of unemployment.

What ‘counts’ as employment while I am on OPT? Regular paid employment, gigs, work for hire, self-

employed business owner, volunteer positions and unpaid internships can all ‘count’ as employment for OPT.

Can I travel outside the county while I am on OPT? If you have a valid EAD card and a letter from an

employer detailing your job offer or position, you should have no trouble reentering the United States. If either or both of these items are missing you are taking a risk if you leave the United States.

Internship/Job Search and Preparation Tips

Start early and note application deadlines for future years Identify Employers: Directory of American Firms Operating

in Foreign Countries, Directory of Foreign Firms Operating in the U.S., World Chamber of Commerce Directory

Network (3 F’s), Informational Interviews, Referral Cover Letter

Hiring cycles/application requirements vary by career fields Generally, cannot work for the U.S. federal government,

most U.S. state and local government entities or private employers receiving government contracts

What Can You Offer an Employer

Diversity; languages; global culture and economy Experiences and skills: responsible risk-taking, cultural

adaptability, resourcefulness Self-assessment: values, interests, personal and financial

needs, short and long term goals, unique strengths and qualities, challenges and what have you learned

Keeping this in mind, you should be able to clearly articulate your career goals and your contribution to the company

When to Discuss Visa Status

Let the employer initiate discussion Know the most current CPT and OPT work

authorization and information for your status Prepare a confident, direct statement: I have a

student visa and I’m happy to discuss the process for hiring me…

If seeking longer employment, discussions about sponsoring visa petition should occur when you are offered the position

Resources H1VisaJobs.com; myvisajobs.com InternationalStudent.com; Goinglobal; Living and

Working Overseas Charles G. Koch Summer Fellow Program (public policy) Pathways to Science Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program Smithsonian (history, social sciences, humanities) Winston Foundation Fellowships (non profits)

Career Services Website

Resumes Resume and Curricula Vita (CV) in the US May need two resumes if job search in US and

home country; prepared in each language Do not list “English” as a skill for US

companies, but emphasize strong English skills in relation to experiences (i.e. translation)

Avoid listing international contact information Mostly accompanied by a cover letter

Difference in Resumes

Interviews Prepare for interviews and learn US cultural values (i.e. eye

contact, firm handshake) Research the organization and demonstrate knowledge

shows initiative and interest Interviewer styles differ, be observant and flexible,

anticipate direct questions about skills, competencies, accomplishments, challenges and experiences

Questions regarding age, race, sexual orientation, disabilities, national origin and martial status are illegal

Questions about the application process and follow-up is acceptable; send a thank you note

Career Services: HoursAdvising Appointments | Stevenson Hall - Longman Commons

Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Appointments with a Professional Career Advisor.

Call 440-775-8140 or visit the office to schedule.

Drop-In Hours | Stevenson Hall - Longman CommonsMonday - Friday, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

15-minute unscheduled meetings with a Peer Career Advisor. Recommended for Oberlin students looking for an introduction to our services and resources, or who have a "quick question" such

as a resume/cover letter review. Conservatory Advising | Robertson Hall, Rm. 130

MaryClare Brzytwa, Assistant Director of Career Services/Director of Conservatory Professional Developmnet