General Eligibility

F-1 and J-1 degree-seeking international students (and in some cases non-degree-seeking international students) who are in maintaining status, including enrollment is a full course of study, are permitted to work on-campus at UNCG.  

On-campus employment eligibility ends after completion of academic program.  

On-Campus employment may continue if you receive an I-20 visa document (F-1 student) to begin a new program at UNCG. 

J-1 degree-seeking students, contact your international student advisor at IPC for further details regarding on-campus employment.  

Procedures

Consult the International Student Employment Checklist for the necessary steps to begin working on campus.  

MANDATORY TERMS OF ENROLLMENT 

Fall and Spring semesters

The start of a semester/term is the first day of classes and the end of the semester is the last date of final exams as listed in the UNCG’s Academic calendar.  

Summer is a mandatory term of enrollment if it is your first or last term of enrollment at UNCG. Therefore, you may only work up to 20 hours per week. For further information, contact your international student advisor at GEO.

VACATION PERIODS

During the fall break, winter break, spring break and summer vacation, you may work on-campus up to 40 hours per week (full-time). Look at UNCG’s Academic calendar for the start and end dates of those breaks.  

Summer is your vacation term if it is NOT your first or last term of enrollment at UNCG. You may only work full-time during vacation periods if you are enrolled for the following term (e.g., full-time work in summer if you are enrolled in fall in a full course of study.  

Important Information

If you exceed 20 hours per week of employment while enrolled in coursework during mandatory terms of enrollment or participate in off-campus employment without written permission, you will violate your status.  

Potential effects of violating your status include, but are not limited to, the termination of your SEVIS record, requirement to leave the United States immediately, and the need to regain immigration status through costly and sometimes lengthy procedures.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) refers to internships, job shadowing experiences, or service-learning (paid or unpaid) related to your major field of study and required for the completion of your degree program. CPT requests are approved by an International Student Advisor/DSO at IPC.  

CPT can be authorized for part-time (20 hours/week or less) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week) internships. Students who accumulate 12 months or more of full-time CPT will not be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Authorization for CPT is based on an offer of employment or internship and authorization must be received prior to the start of employment. CPT must be renewed each semester you wish to continue the internship (paid or unpaid). 

Read BEFORE Applying for CPT

If you are considering requesting authorization for CPT, please carefully consider the following information:

• CPT is authorized on a term-by-term basis. This means that you must limit your training experience to the dates of the term, and you must have another course/program requirement in the following term to receive additional CPT authorization.  
• One year (12 months aggregate) of full-time CPT will nullify your OPT benefit.  
• The CPT approval process can take up to two weeks.  
• You cannot begin your training opportunity until you receive your updated I-20 showing your CPT authorization.  
• Even volunteer opportunities that meet the CPT requirements must be authorized for CPT. For that reason, you must contact your international student advisor for guidance.  
• Participating in an off-campus training opportunity without authorization from IPC is grounds for termination of your SEVIS record due to unauthorized employment.

Eligibility Requirements

• Have been lawfully enrolled full-time as an F-1 student for one full academic year (two consecutive terms).  
• Be able to demonstrate that the training experience is directly tied to academic credit. This means, that requirement must be shown as part of the degree program description in the UNCG Catalog, or appear in the course syllabus as necessary to fulfill a course requirement.  
• Already have received an official training offer (in the form of a signed letter, not an email).  

Application Process

Complete all requirements included in the “Curricular Practical Training” request on the ISSS Portal. You will be required to provide the following documentation:  

• Copy of job/internship/practicum offer letter.  
• Copy of your passport biographical page.  
• Copy of your most recent U.S. visa (if you did a Change of Status in the U.S. and do not have a visa, upload a copy of your Approval Notice).

Optional Practical Training (OPT)  

According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment benefit directly related to an F-1 visa holder’s major area of study. This experience is intended to give you real-world work experience in their field. If eligible, you may receive up to 12 months of employment authorization in one of two categories: 1) pre-completion OPT, or 2) post-completion OPT. OPT employment may occur anywhere in the United States and can be either a paid or unpaid position. OPT requests are adjudicated by USCIS.  

There are three main categories of OPT:  

1. Pre-Completion Optional Practical is authorized for off-campus employment before your program end date. If you are approved pre-completion OPT, you may work up to 20 hours per week (unless on thesis or dissertation period before which all coursework has been completed) while school is in session. If you  are enrolled for the next term, and are eligible otherwise, you may apply for full-time work authorization when the school is not in session. Any time spent in pre-completion OPT is subtracted from the Post-Completion OPT timeline.  
2. Post-Completion Optional Practical is OPT authorized off-campus employment beginning after your graduation date. Note: if applying for both pre-completion and post-completion OPT you must complete and submit two separate applications and fee payments. You may apply for Post Completion OPT prior to graduation or within the 60-day grace period following graduation.
3. STEM OPT Extension (OPT) is an additional 24-month period of OPT is available if you received a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field and meet other minimum requirements. 

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for OPT, you must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis in F-1 status for a full academic year. You must physically present in the United States to be eligible to apply for OPT. Travel outside of the United States while the application is pending is highly discouraged. 

You may submit your OPT application to USCIS beginning 90 days prior to your graduation date. For more information on OPT application timelines, visit USCIS’s webpage on OPT. Before you may apply for OPT with USCIS, you must have an I-20 form from UNCG. For further information, contact your international student advisor (DSO).  

Please allow 5-7 business days for your request to be processed and updated I-20 issued.  

Application Process

Submit an OPT request in the ISSS Portal. This is required for the issuance of an updated I-20 by a DSO showing that you are applying for OPT. Information about documents required to apply for OPT with USCIS are found in the OPT request.

Reporting Requirements

While on OPT, you must adhere to strict employment reporting requirements as follows: 

Changes in OPT Employment Information 

Whenever you change employers or if there are any changes to your employer’s information. Within 10 days of the change occurring, report these updates through two different channels to ensure that your I-20 is updated correctly and in a timely fashion:  

1. Report your employment update via the SEVP Portal using your personal email account and password you setup when you were originally approved for OPT. 
2. Submit a request for OPT Employment Update I-20 via the ISSS Portal using your personal email account as you will no longer be able to access your UNCG email after graduation.

Please allow 5-7 working days for your request to be processed and be provided with an updated I-20 form. 

Changes in Contact Information 

1. Report changes to your physical and mailing address, telephone number via the SEVP Portal using your personal email account and password you setup when you were originally approved for OPT 
2. Submit a contact information update request via the ISSS Portal using your personal email account as you will no longer be able to access your UNCG email after graduation.  

Please allow 5-7 working days for your request to be processed. 

For information and troubleshooting advice on the SEVP Portal, visit Study in the States’ SEVP Portal Help page. If you have exhausted all troubleshooting suggestions, contact your international student advisor (DSO) for assistance in resetting your account.  

Other resources:  Study in the States: How to use the SEVP Portal  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Adapted from the University of Washington

What happens if my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card has incorrect information on it?

• Alert your international visa advisor (DSO) about the typographic error.  
• To correct the EAD, submit a service request through the USCIS website to correct a typographic error.  

What happens if I move after I submit my OPT application to USCIS?
Submit your change of address to USCIS through a USCIS online account. The U.S. Postal Service can’t forward official government mail (like EAD cards) to a new address.  

I have heard there is a 60-day grace period after I graduate to depart the U.S. Do I have to leave if the government hasn’t finished my OPT processing?  
No. The 60-day grace period does not apply to students who are waiting for the government to process their OPT application. As long as your application arrives to USCIS by the government’s deadlines, you can remain in the United States and wait until it is processed.  

What is my immigration status while my OPT is being processed?  
You are still an F-1 student while your OPT application is being processed.

I didn’t submit my OPT application early enough, and I realize I might not get the OPT start date I requested. How do I know what date USCIS will authorize?  
Unfortunately, it is difficult to estimate. The authorization depends on when the application arrives and the workload at USCIS. If they process your application after your requested start date, they might push back the start date to their day of processing, up to 60 days after your program end date. However, there is no way to predict what date it will be.  

When I receive my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, should I give a copy to ISSS?  
You will upload a copy of your EAD in the ISSS Portal when you submit an OPT Employer Update request. Be sure to make both digital and paper photocopies of your EAD for your own records.  

 What if I lose my Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)?  
If you lose your EAD card, you must apply and pay for a replacement. Complete a new I-765 Form and resubmit it to USCIS with all supporting documents, including the fee. Contact your ISSS adviser for an updated I-20. We recommend you keep your EAD at home (not in your wallet) because of the expense and time in applying for a replacement.  

If I change my mind and decide not to work, can I cancel my OPT authorization?  
The answer depends on your situation. If you were issued a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation but have not submitted your application with USCIS, you must notify a DSO at UNCG of your change in plans. Our office can cancel the OPT recommendation.  
If you have already submitted your application with USCIS, you will contact USCIS to withdraw your OPT application. Your application fee will not be returned, and we cannot guarantee that your request will be honored. Contact an International Student Advisor for help. 

I am a graduate student and I’ve completed all required coursework. I only have thesis or dissertation remaining. Can I apply for OPT authorization to begin before I graduate?
If your thesis or dissertation do not require or will benefit from the off-campus internship experience, you may apply for either pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT. There are advantages and disadvantages to consider when deciding which option works best for you. Here is an overview. We recommend you schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to further discuss your options.  

Pre-completion OPT

Pre-completion OPT is only valid while you are a student finishing your thesis or dissertation. The OPT start and end date must fall before your I-20 expires and before you graduate.  

Pros  

• You are not subject to the 90-day unemployment limit.  
• Your I-20 can be extended if you need more time to complete your thesis/dissertation.  

Cons  

• When you graduate, you must submit a separate post-completion OPT application and another application fee.  
• There is the risk of a gap in employment authorization if you must submit a second OPT application and the timing is not perfect.  
• It is challenging to take advantage of the full 12 months of OPT allotted to you because of the dual applications.  
• You must continue to register full-time (which may or may not be a requirement from your department depending on your funding and/or defense term.)  

Post-completion OPT

Post-completion OPT can begin either while you complete your thesis/dissertation or after you graduate. Procedurally, however, the OPT start date can only fall after the I-20 end date, so your I-20 will be shortened to the end of the term in which you submit the OPT application.

Pros  

• You will only submit one application and fee.  
• You are not required to register for the purpose of maintaining F1 status (though you must consult with your department about Graduate School registration requirements depending on your funding, defense term, and ability to apply for on-leave status).  

Cons  

• You are subject to the 90-day unemployment limit, an added pressure if you still need to focus on your thesis/dissertation.  
• The I-20 cannot be extended. If you do not complete your thesis/dissertation within the OPT year, your F-1 status ends when the OPT expires, and you must travel and reenter with a new I-20 to continue your studies. 

STEM OPT Extension

An additional 24-month period of OPT is available to students who received a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field and meets other minimum requirements. This is known as a STEM OPT extension and requires an additional application process. Eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension is determined based on meeting one of two requirements:  

• The STEM degree you earned as an F-1 student that serves as the basis for your current period of standard 12-month post-completion OPT. Click here for eligible programs of study.  
• If you previously completed a STEM Degree within 10 years preceding the date of application for a STEM OPT Extension and the qualifying degree must be listed in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List at the time of application.   

STEM OPT comes with a series of its own timelines, regulations, and requirements that applicants should be aware of:   

• Students in post-completion OPT must submit a formal Mentoring and Training Plan (Form I-983) to the International Student Adviser (DSO) at IPC before the STEM OPT application can be processed by USCIS. This document will be completed by the student and signed by both the student and employer.  
• Prohibits volunteering, self-employment, and in most cases, temporary agency and contract work.  
• Student must be employed by an E-Verify employer.  
• Employment must be at least 20 hours per week.  
• Students on STEM OPT are subject to specific reporting requirements that are slightly different than while on standard OPT, including an annual check in with a DSO at UNCG.  
• Requires F-1 visa holder to be paid and salary must be commensurate to that of U.S. workers in similar positions.  
• Unemployment is allowed for 60 calendar days while engaged in the STEM OPT extension.  
• Retains the current “Cap Gap” benefit for students with expiring OPT and STEM OPT extensions and selected H-1B petitions.  

More resources on the STEM OPT extension can be found on Study in the States’ website.  

Cap Gap Extension

The Cap Gap extension is a period in which an eligible F-1 student status is automatically extended to bridge the gap between the end of that F-1 status and the start of H-1B status with employment start date of October 1. If you are in a period of authorized post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension on or after the date you become eligible for the extension, your OPT period is also automatically extended through September 30 of the same year. The extension period is fixed and starts the day after your original OPT ends.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS (From Study in the States Website) 

• Your employer files an H-1B petition in a timely manner with USCIS with an employment start date of October 1. 
• You are maintaining your F-1 status on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition. 
• You are in an authorized period of post-completion OPT (including the STEM OPT extension) on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition. 
• USCIS receives the H-1B petition in a timely manner and issues a receipt for it. 

 PROCEDURES TO REQUEST AN I-20 FORM INCLUDING A CAP GAP EXTENSION:  

Submit a CAP GAP extension request in the ISSS Portal within 3 months from the end date of your OPT period.  

For further information, please make an appointment to speak with the International Student Advisor at the Global Engagement Office.

Work authorization for Severe Economic Hardship (F-1 and J-1) 

If you are suffering an economic hardship due to unforeseen financial circumstances, you may be eligible to apply through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship.  

Some examples of unforeseen circumstances are listed below: 

• Loss of financial aid or on-campus employment through no fault of your own.  
• Inordinate increases in tuition or living costs. 
• Unexpected financial loss suffered by your financial sponsor, medical bills, or other substantial and unexpected expenses. 
• A substantial decrease in the relative value of the currency you depend upon to pay expenses.  

ELIGIBILITY  

Demonstrate severe economic hardship due to a change in circumstances beyond their control. Prior to applying for economic hardship, you must have been lawfully enrolled as a full-time student for at least nine consecutive months.  

THINGS TO REMEMBER 

Before applying for economic hardship with USCIS, you must receive an I-20 from IPC including your DSO’s recommendation. There is an application fee with USCIS for this authorization. Processing times for the application are three to five months from the date USCIS receives your application. 

Authorization is granted for one year at a time. If authorized, you will receive an Employment Authorization Card (EAD) from the USCIS. Once authorized, this program allows you to work in any kind of job off-campus.  

You are limited to part-time employment (a maximum of 20 hours per week) during the fall and spring semesters.  

You must also maintain a full course of study during the fall and spring semesters. You can work full-time during the summer or school breaks. 

Employment Authorization due to economic hardship ends on the end date listed on your EAD card or when you graduate, transfer to another university, begin study at another educational level or otherwise fail to maintain F-1 status. 

If you believe you qualify for severe economic hardship work authorization, please make an appointment to talk with your international student advisor. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES (F-1 AND J-1)  

1. Obtain an official job offer from your employer. The job offer letter must contain an intended start date, and a short description of duties associated with your position. A written letter on the employer’s letterhead is preferred but a PDF of an electronic offer is also acceptable.  
   1. If your position is on campus, request a letter from GEO to bring to the Social Security Administration verifying your status as an international student.
      1. If you are a degree-seeking international student, request this letter from GEO by logging on to the ISSS Portal and completing the Certification Letter for S.S.N. request.  
      2. If you are an international exchange student, contact Dee Stafford, Assistant Director, Study Abroad and Exchanges ([email protected]) to request a letter for Social Security.
2. Take the following original documents when you visit the Social Security Administration Office, located at 6005 Landmark Center Boulevard, Greensboro, N.C. 27407; Ph: (877) 319-3075 (Office hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri: 9:00AM–4:00PM; Wed 9:00AM–12:00PM): 
   1. Completed SSN application: Review the instructions contained in the SSN application. You have the option to complete the SSN application online or in pdf format.
      1. Online: Once you complete the online application, be sure to print the confirmation of submission.   
      2. Pdf format: If you complete the pdf format, be sure to type required information, print and sign that document by hand.   
   2. Original passport with F-1 or J-1 visa (no copies please).  
   3. Copy of I-94 admission/departure record.  
   4. Form I-20 or DS-2019 visa document issued after your SEVIS record is activated. If you are a transfer student from another U.S. educational institution, also take with you all past original I-20 or DS-2019 forms.  
   5. Letter of employment/job offer letter. 
      1. If your position is on campus, include the S.S.N. Certification Letter from IPC  

At the conclusion of your S.S.N. application appointment, you will be given a receipt indicating that you have met all verification requirements or that you must wait additional time for your documents to be verified.  

It typically takes two weeks for your social security card to arrive, but you can use the receipt received from the Social Security Administration to begin the tax verification processes.  

You must wait until you receive your social security card before you are eligible to schedule your I-9 appointment with the Student Employment Office.  

For directions and further information regarding the social security information, please visit Social Security Online and Study in the States.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

You must have the SSN in hand, before you can schedule an appointment with the Career & Professional Development Office for I-9 Employment verification procedures. Be sure to update the Payroll Office and on-campus employer with your SSN. 

UNPAID INTERNSHIP  

If you participate in C.P.T. for one semester in an unpaid internship, you are not required to get an S.S.N.  

PAID INTERNSHIP 

If the internship is paid, you will need to work with your internship employer to apply for an S.S.N.  

THE SSN IS NOT AN IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT 

It is possible that you will be asked to provide your S.S.N. for identification purposes while you are here in the United States. While this has become a common practice in the United States your passport number serves as sufficient identification for most purposes. On campus, you can also frequently use your UNCG I.D. number (usually starting with the digits 88XXXXXXX) for identification.