Employment Workshop

For international students

2014-2015

Employability depends on your immigration status ----

What is your status? (not – what is your visa) NEVER work without immigration

authorization – unauthorized employment can not be fixed in immigration

What is volunteering?

F-1s

On campus – up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks

Off campus due to severe economic hardship – after one academic year, doesn’t happen much any more *

Curricular Practical Training – after one academic year, must be for academic credit **

Special Student Relief – right now, only Syria Employment with an International Organization –

mostly in Washington, D.C. Optional Practical Training and STEM *• Available after 1 full academic year in program

• Usually available only after 1 full academic year in program

Non-SEVIS employment issues

Apply for Social Security Number Complete an I-9 – proof of identity and proof of work

permission Taxes

Money withheld from every paycheck (some pay checks are $0!)

Amount depends on tax treaty All international people must complete tax forms

and mail to Internal Revenue Service by April 15 even if they did not make any money

Generally, students receive some of the money back that was previously withheld.

OPT and STEM – most common at UIS

12 months full-time per level of study STEM – 17 months, once per lifetime Job directly related to major and appropriate for level of

study Pre-OPT is subtracted from Post-OPT STEM fields eligible for 17-month extension and must be

with an eVerify employer Work permission has specific start and end dates

indicated on EAD card Can not be unemployed more than 90 days during

regular OPT and no more than 30 additional days during STEM

Must report address and employment information to UIS within 10 days (AR-11)

OPT/STEM application process Read the OPT handout (and STEM handout) http://

www.uis.edu/internationalstudentservices/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2014/03/OPT-form-pdf.pdf

Attend an employment workshop Prepare all documents

Advisor’s form I-765 G-1145

Make an appointment with ISS – receive new I-20 Mail application within 30 days Can apply before getting a job offer

Advisor’s Form

StudentName, UIN, SEVIS ID, Major, expected

graduation dateRequested beginning and ending date

Must be within the 60 days following graduation

Advisor, Department Chair, etc.Certify the student’s information regarding

major and graduation dateName, signature, email, etc.

Determining what start date to request Usual issues

Do you already have a job offer?Monday, 1st or 15th of the month

Must be between graduation day and 60 days later

Won’t get EAD card until at least 90 days after application is mailedAnd can’t begin working until you have the

card

Post Completion OPT Timeline

150 day application time

60 days after graduation – start date on card

~~Actual work start date~~~~~~~~~~~

- No more than 90 days unemployment after start date on card

90 days before Graduation 60 days after

graduation date graduation

G-1145 – e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance

Name Email address Telephone number

I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization – Type this!!!!!!!!!!! Permission to accept employment

1. Name (family name in CAPS) (First) (Middle)

2. Other names

3. U.S. Mailing Address – sometimes changes SEVIS address, must be where you plan to be living in 90 days, some people use our office, use correct zip code!

4. Country of Citizenship/Nationality

5. Place of Birth

6. Date of Birth 7. Gender

8. Marital Status

9. Social Security Number – if you have one

10. Alien Registration Number or I-94 Number

11. Have you ever before applied for employment authorization from USCIS?

I-765 continued 11 continued – which USCIS office, dates and results 12. Date of last entry to the U.S. 13. Place of last entry to the U.S. 14. Status of Last Entry 15. Current Immigration Status 16. Eligibility Category: pre(c)(3)(A), post(c)(3)(B), STEM

(c)(3)(C) 17. required information for STEM

Degree Employer’s name in E-Verify system E-Verify number

Signature, telephone number and date

Application materials & order

Check for $380 made out to Dept. of Homeland Security

Two recent photos with name and I-94 written on back (not more than 1 month ago)

G-1145 I-765 Copy of new I-20 from ISS office requesting OPT

dates – make sure you have signed the bottom on the first page

Copy of previous I-20, passport, visa and I-94

Address to mail application depends on where you live

Read our handout for specific information or check online at www.uscis.gov/i-765

Regular mail to PO Boxes in Phoenix, AZ or Dallas, TX

Express mail to physical addresses in Phoenix, AZ or Lewisville, TX

Application Timeline - OPT

Eligible to apply from 90 before graduation up to 60 days after graduation

Must mail application within 30 days of new I-20 being generated with requested OPT dates

Students will receive a receipt notice by email, text or regular mail indicating their receipt number

Students can track progress of their petition with the receipt number

Processing of EADs usually takes 90 days Can not begin employment until card is received

and the start date on the card has arrived

Differences for STEM application

Eligible to apply up to 120 before end of OPT Application must include evidence of degree

completion Application must include evidence that first 12

months of OPT were conducted appropriately – directly related to major, appropriate for level of study, no more than 90 days of unemployment This means include copies of job offer letters, pay

stubs, etc.

Can extend I-9 with EAD – or for 180 days with receipt notice

Additional OPT Issues Employment Reports within 10 days

Your name and physical address – AR-11 and UIS Job title and start dateCompany name and addressSupervisor’s name and contact information

Requesting a STEM extension I-20 – email and employer report

L-1s and jobs outside the U.S. Cap Gap and H-1s Travel before, during and after OPT/STEM