Work
Authorization for Foreign Students
A. Extreme Hardship
In circumstances of extreme hardship, a student may apply to the INS for permission
to work off-campus. To be eligible, the student must have been in valid F-1
status for at least one year and the circumstances causing the shortage of
funds must be unforeseen and beyond the student's control.
B. Curricular Practical Training
This type of INS work authorization is permitted for students:
1. Who have completed nine months of full-time study
2. Who are maintaining lawful F-1 status
3. for whom the proposed employment is a required part of the studies
Employment for 20 hours or less per week while the student is enrolled for
classes is considered "part-time" curricular practical training,
in which there is no limitation upon the length of time the student may participate.
However, the foreign student must be simultaneously enrolled in school in
order to maintain lawful F-1 status. Also note that students in intensive
English are not permitted to apply for practical training.
C. Optional Practical Training
This kind of work authorization is allowed for a maximum of twelve months
beginning on the date the student completes all the requirements for a program
of study, not the date you participate in graduation ceremonies and receive
a certificate or diploma. If you continue your studies after finishing your
bachelor's degree and you use your optional practical training, you will not
be eligible for optional practical training after you finish the graduate
degree.
If you wish to obtain practical training, you should check with the international
student office at the beginning of the new semester to ensure that all the
application deadlines are met.
(Content sourced from visanews.com)